Former professional wrestler and WWE Legend Sika Anoa’i he died. He was 79 years old.
Anoa’i – better known to fans as Sika and as part of the famous tag team The Wild Samoans – is the father of the current WWE star Roman Reigns. His death was announced on Tuesday by his nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i, in a post on Instagram.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of former Hall of Famer Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th,” the tribute said. “Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his achievements and the many lives he touched.”
Jahrus wrote of Sika: “He was many things: a hard-working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather.”
“He was a dear friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless people,” the memorial post expressed. “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.”
Sika – who wrestled on smaller circuits in the 1970s – debuted in the WWE (then WWF) in 1980 as part of the iconic tag team The Wild Samoans, alongside his older brother, Afa Anoa’i. That year, the duo won the WWF Tag Team Championship title, which they later lost.
In 1983, the Wild Samoans made another run at the WWF Tag Team Championship title, but ended up losing the title to Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson – the iconic late father of Dwayne The Rock Johnson. The Rock is a distant member of the Anoa’i family wrestling dynasty and although he is not related by blood to Reigns, he refers to him as a cousin.
Sika – who retired from professional wrestling in 1988 – was also the father of the late professional wrestler Matt Anoa’i, who wrestled under the stage name Rosey. He died in 2017, aged 47, due to complications from congestive heart failure.
Sika, as part of The Wild Samoans, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, and later into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Patrícia, and their four children.
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