Hall of Fame Wrestler and Father of Roman Reigns Sika Anoaʻi Passed Away at Age 79

The world of wrestling is one sport where family dynasties reign supreme. It's widely known that the most successful wrestling family is that of the Anoa’i family which started with "High Chief Peter Maivia, and was passed on to nephews Afa and Sika, who took WWE by storm in the late '70s and early '80s, per WWE.com. Roman Reigns is the latest Anoa’i family member to keep the tradition going.

Afa and Sika were world-champion tag team wrestlers whose legacies lived on long after they split up in 1991. Sadly we will never get to see a reunion of any kind as the death of Sika Anoa’i was announced on June 25, 2024, via a heartfelt post on Instagram from his nephew Jahrus Anoa’i. Here's what we know about the celebrated wrestler's cause of death.

According to Jahrus's Instagram post, Sika died peacefully at the age of 79, though the exact cause of death was not mentioned. His nephew described him as a "hard-working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather," who was also a "cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals."

Upon hearing the news, social media exploded with condolences for the hall of famer and his family. Many people shared stories of how the famed wrestler inspired them in various ways. Bully Ray, host of Busted Open Radio, tweeted that the Wild Samoans were the first tag team he ever saw, and they were the reason he wanted to be a tag team wrestler. "My sincere condolences to the entire extended Anoa’i family," he wrote.

CBS Sports touched on an incredibly moving moment in wrestling history that happened in 2020 between Roman Reigns and his father. Sika briefly returned to the ring during that year's Hell in a Cell to "play a role in Reigns's ascendance as 'The Head of the Table.'" Draping a Samoan 'Ula Fala necklace around his son's neck, Sika crowned him "The Tribal Chief," which would "later be referred to as the family 'elders' in some of Reigns' storylines."

Perhaps the relationship between Sika and his son can be partially summed up by the former wrestler's actions. Twitter user @EliteClubS0B was reminded of what Sika did when Roman won the title at WrestleMania 32. Everyone was booing except Sika, who excitedly removed his shirt and swung it around over his head while cheering Roman on. Our thoughts are with Sika's family at this time.