Sika Anoa'i, born Leati Sika Anoa'i Amituana'i on April 5, 1945, has sadly passed away aged 79. A prominent member of the famous Anoa'i wrestling family, he's best known for being one-half of the Wild Samoans tag team, alongside his brother Afa.
The Wild Samoans were renowned for their fierce and savage personas, dominating the tag team division in various wrestling promotions, including the WWE (then WWF), during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Wild Samoans captured multiple tag team championships, including the WWF World Tag Team Championship three times. They were known for their unorthodox style, powerful moves, and unique look, which included tribal face paint and wild hair.
Sika's legacy extends beyond his own career, as he is the father of WWE Superstar Roman Reigns (Leati Joseph Anoa'i) and Rosey (Matthew Anoa'i), and uncle to many other wrestlers in the Anoa'i family. The Anoa'i family is considered one of the most influential families in professional wrestling, with a legacy that continues to impact the industry today.
Even after his professional wrestling career ended, Sika opened The Wild Samoan Training Facility alongside Afa where the duo trained future generations of WWE Superstars, including Batista.
In 2007, The Wild Samoans were bestowed with WWE's highest honour when they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Reigns has been absent from WWE and social media since being defeated by Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania. However, he broke his silence today to pay homage to his father.
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.
Our thoughts go out to Anoa'i's friends and family at this difficult time.