After spending decades contributing to the professional wrestling business as a member of The Wild Samoans, the Samoan Dynasty, and a contributor to his son, Roman Reigns‘, Bloodline storyline, Sika Anoa'i has passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind an incredible legacy in the ring and a familial legacy that will live on in professional wrestling forever.
Taking to social media to announce the news, nephew Jahrus Anoa’i paid a loving tribute to the WWE Hall of Famer, celebrating what he brought to the business and how important his impact was not just to the professional wrestling world but to his family that moved him too.
It is with profound 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. 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 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.
While Anoa'i's statement was met with an overflow of support in the comments, others took to social media to express their thoughts and prayers for the Hall of Famer, including WWE, where he worked for the most visible portion of his career.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Sika Anoa’i, a WWE Hall of Famer, one-half of The Wild Samoans tag team, and father of Roman Reigns, has passed away,” WWE wrote. “WWE extends its condolences to Anoa’i’s family, friends and fans.”
Another WWE Hall of Famer had some kind things to say about Sika, too, in Dudley Boyz member Bully Ray, who was inspired to be a tag team wrestler by The Wild Samoans.
“The 1st Tag Team I ever saw and the reason I wanted to be a Tag Team Wrestler was The Wild Samoans,” Bully Ray wrote on social media. “My sincere condolences to the entire extended Anoa’i family. GOD BLESS and RIP Sika.”
And last but certainly not least was Fuego Del Sol, the former AEW star who actually began his in-ring career working matches in front of Sika as a young upstart in Pensacola, Florida. While he never wrestled Sika – who would have been in his late 70s – The Wild Samoan helped him out a ton with his insight and positivity and will be remembered fondly as a result.
As the hours, days, and even weeks continue to pass, more stories about Sika, Afa, and The Wild Samoans will come out, and his fans and family alike will get to enjoy the memories and smiles he brought to the faces of wrestling fans the world over, leaving a legacy that will live on forever in the wrestling world.
Sika Anoa'i's brother, Afa Anoa'i, has been having health issues, too.
While it must be incredibly tough for the entire Anao'i-Fatu family to learn of the passing of Sika, he isn't the only member of The Wild Samoans who has recently experienced health issues, with his tag team partner and father of Samu, Afa, having undergone an exploratory procedure last December on his heart, as his people shared on his official Facebook.
Yesterday Afa had two exploratory heart procedures to check his valves. In his own words: “I kicked out before the 1!” He is home and doing very well. Nothing keeps a Wild Samoan down! His follow up appointment is on the 20th to go over next steps. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he may need a valve replacement. But he's up and at it, working hard on the WXW Seminar on January 13th and the first show of the year, February 17th, with proceeds to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Afa was joking with and signing autographs for the hospital staff.
As crazy as it may sound, AfA is still an active part of the professional wrestling world into his 80s, helping his son with WXW in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and holding seminars for the promotion to help out the next generation of wrestlers. Fortunately, with Jacob Fatu recently joining WWE, it's clear the Samoan Dynasty will continue to dominate wrestling into the future, as performers like The Wild Samoans helped to establish a tradition that will live on forever.
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