THE LEGENDARY father of WWE star Roman Reigns, Sika Anoa’i, has passed away aged 79, according to his family.
The WWE Hall of Famer was part of the Wild Samoans tag team alongside his real life brother Afa Anoa’i.
News of his passing was broken by his nephew Jahrus, who wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Jahrus then described the icon as “many things” as he hailed his work ethic and family roles.
And he stated how his “warm and kindness knew no bounds”.
He continued: “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???????? #wildsamoans #halloffamer #sikaanoai.”
As well as being dad to ‘The Tribal Chief’ Reigns, who has not been seen since his Wrestlemania loss to Cody Rhodes, Sika was also father to late WWE wrestler Matthew Anoaʻi.
He was better known to WWE fans as Rosey, who he performed as on Raw in the early 2000s.
Sika is a three-time WWE tag team champion and started his in-ring career in 1973.
He joined WWE seven years later and last wrestled for them in 1988.
But his legacy lasted a lifetime, and the Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
However, both Sika and Afa made a return to WWE in 2020.
That was when they appeared to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal Chief after he had retained his WWE Title at that year’s Hell in a Cell.
Reigns is yet to comment publicly on the passing of his father, but a host of tributes have flooded in.
One fan wrote: “Rip to the absolute legend Sika Anoa’i, thoughts and prayers to the whole Anoa’i family.”
Another fan commented: “RIP Sika Anoa’i. The real Tribal Chief. Prayers to Roman and the entire Anoa’i family.”
A third wrote: “RIP to Sika Anoa’i one half of the legendary Tag Team The Wild Samoans and the father of Roman Reigns. My condolences thoughts and prayers to Roman and the entire Anoa’i family during this difficult time.”
While a fourth posted: “RIP to one of the Icons of the powerful Samoan Bloodline. The Tribal Chief’s father Sika Anoa’i.”
