Sika Anoa’i, who became a wrestling legend as part of The Wild Samoans tag team with his brother, died June 25. He was 79. No cause or location was given, but Anoa’i’s death was confirmed by his nephew, who said the former WWE star “passed away peacefully.”
Anoa’i starred for the WWE in the late 1970s and early ‘80s alongside his brother, Arthur “Afa” Anoa’i Sr. The iconic Wild Samoans won WWE’s tag team championship on three different occasions, and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i,” his nephew, Jahrus Anoa’I, wrote in an Instagram post. “He passed away peacefully on June 25th. Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy have left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his achievements and the many lives he touched.”
Son Roman Reigns, a current megastar in the WWE whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, also confirmed his father’s death on social media.
“My family and I thank everyone for the outpouring of support in the name of my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will forever be remembered as one half of The Wild Samoans tag team,” Reigns wrote in a Tweet. “My father had a profound impact on my entire family and we are forever grateful for the foundation he built for us. There’s no way to fill the void left by his passing but my sisters and I will do our best to represent him and his legacy. Rest in Power, Dad. We love you.”
After his WWE career, Anoa’i opened The Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Training Center in Minneola, Florida, in partnership with his brother. “WWE extends its condolences to Anoa’i’s family, friends and fans,” the organization said in a statement.
Sika Anoa’i, a WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, died Tuesday at age 79.
Sika was best known as one half of the iconic wrestling tag team The Wild Samoans, with his brother, Arthur “Afa” Anoa’i Sr. The duo were massive WWE stars in the 1970s and 80s as they dominated the tag team division and won the championship three times.
Sika’s son, six-time WWE world champion Roman Reigns, paid tribute to his father and thanked fans for their support with on social media.
“My family and I thank everyone for the outpouring of support in the name of my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will forever be remembered as one half of The Wild Samoans tag team,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “My father had a profound impact on my entire family and we are forever grateful for the foundation he built for us. There’s no way to fill the void left by his passing but my sisters and I will do our best to represent him and his legacy. Rest in Power, Dad. We love you.”
Sika’s nephew, Jahrus, also shared a message for his uncle on social media.
“Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy have left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his achievements and the many lives he touched,” he wrote.”He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”
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