In a move no one saw coming, the great Sika Anoa’i, one-half of the ferocious Wild Samoans and father to wrestling royalty Roman Reigns, has taken his final bump at the age of 79. Born Leati Sika Amituana’i Anoa’i, this legendary grappler leaves behind a legacy as large as his biceps and as fierce as his headbutts.
News of Sika’s passing was body-slammed onto social media by Jahrus Anoa’i in an emotional Instagram post. The Anoa’i family now has another reason to gather in the squared circle of heaven, as Sika joins his son, the late WWE superstar Rosey, for an eternal tag team reunion. He is survived by his wife Patricia and their four children, including “The Big Dog” himself, Roman Reigns.
Sika started his wrestling journey in the early 70s, following in his brother Afa’s well-trodden footsteps. The duo made their explosive debut in Stampede Wrestling in 1973, and by 1979, they were a force to be reckoned with in the WWF, capturing the Tag Team Championship twice during their initial run. Their reigns were so legendary that even Hulk Hogan might have shied away from stepping into the ring with them (maybe).
After a brief hiatus, the Wild Samoans returned to the WWF in 1983, reclaiming the Tag Team Championship and causing more havoc than a banana shortage at a monkey convention. Sika then ventured into singles competition in 1986, pairing with Kamala and ensuring that no opponent’s chest was safe from a Samoan splash.
WrestleMania IV witnessed Sika’s last televised hurrah in a battle royal, which Bad News Brown won. After more than a dozen matches post-WrestleMania, Sika finally hung up his boots in 2006. The Wild Samoans were deservedly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 and continued to shape future champions as trainers at their own wrestling school in Florida.
Sika Anoa’i’s impact on the wrestling world is immortal. While he may have tagged out from this earthly match, his spirit will forever be suplexing through the memories of fans and the hearts of those he inspired.