Sika Anoa'i, a revered figure in professional wrestling and a member of the legendary Anoa'i family, passed away on Tuesday June 25, 2024 at the age of 79, as announced by his nephew Jahrus Anoa'i.
Jahrus shared the news on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa'i,” Jahrus posted on Instagram Tuesday. “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.” Sika, known professionally as part of The Wild Samoans alongside his brother Afa, rose to prominence in the late 1970s. Trained by their uncle Peter Maivia and cousin Rocky Johnson, the duo entered the WWE (then WWF) in 1979, quickly becoming a dominant force. They secured their first World Tag Team Championship in April 1980, reclaiming it later that year after a four-month reign. They left the WWE in 1980 but returned in 1983, winning the title for a third time.
Beyond his in-ring career, Sika participated in the WrestleMania 4 battle royal in 1988 before retiring from active competition in the late 1980s. He transitioned into a respected trainer, influencing numerous wrestling stars including Yokozuna, Rikishi, and Batista over the decades. Sika Anoa'i was a proud father to Matthew and Joe. Matthew, known as Rosey, wrestled in WWE before his passing in 2017. Joe Anoa'i, under the ring name Roman Reigns, has achieved immense success in WWE since his debut in 2012, including a record-setting reign as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, Sika Anoa'i last appeared in WWE in 2020, celebrating his son Roman Reigns' victory at Hell in a Cell alongside his brother Afa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sika Anoa'i's loved ones. His legacy, marked by his family's continued impact on WWE and beyond, will endure for generations to come.
Roman Reigns paid tribute to his father 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. 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.” — Roman Reigns
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, July 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 3).
July 2024 · Digital Magazine
