WWE Corridor of Famer Sika Anoa’i, the daddy of professional wrestling’s high star, Roman Reigns, has died, the group introduced Tuesday. Anoa’i used to be 79.
Anoa’i used to be a three-time WWE tag-team champion as one-half of The Wild Samoans alongside his brother, Afa. They had been inducted into the Corridor of Fame in 2007.
Following their in-ring profession, the tag staff skilled wrestlers — together with Batista — at The Wild Samoan Coaching Facility. In addition they skilled their nephew, WWE Corridor of Famer Yokozuna.
Anoa’i’s household tree is among the many biggest in wrestling historical past. WWE’s long-running “Bloodline” storyline options Reigns because the chief of a faction comprised of Samoans who’re members of the family and longtime household mates.
The Rock entered the “Bloodline” program in February forward of a WrestleMania 40 tag-team predominant occasion in April alongside his shut household pal, Reigns.
“My father had a profound impression on my whole household and we’re perpetually grateful for the muse he constructed for us,” Reigns posted Tuesday on X. “There isn’t any option to fill the void left by his passing however my sisters and I’ll do our greatest to signify him and his legacy.”
My household and I thank everybody for the outpouring of assist within the title of my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will perpetually be remembered as one half of The Wild Samoans tag staff. My father had a profound impression on my whole household and we’re perpetually grateful for the…
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) June 26, 2024
Reigns hasn’t appeared on WWE tv since WrestleMania 40 in April, when he misplaced the WWE undisputed championship to Cody Rhodes. That ended Reigns’ 1,316-day title reign, fourth longest in WWE historical past.