Legendary wrestler Leati Sika Amituana’i Anoaʻi, best known as Sika of The Wild Samoans, passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 79. Anoa’i’s nephew Jahrus shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message reflecting on Sika’s legacy in professional wrestling and life as a loving family member and friend.
“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.
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🤍🕊️”
– Jahrus Anoa’i
Sika Anoa’i, along with his brother Afa, formed The Wild Samoans in 1973. They debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1979, managed by WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano. They quickly rose to prominence, winning the WWF Tag Team Championships in 1980, the first taste of gold in what became a very accomplished career.
After leaving the WWF at the end of 1980, the Wild Samoans found further success. They headed to Mid-South Wrestling, where they held the Mid-South Tag Team Championship three times, being backed by Ernie Ladd, their “financial advisor.” They then went to Georgia Championship Wrestling and won there, and upon returning to the WWF in 1983, had two more reigns with the Tag Team Championships. After unsuccessfully challenging Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event XII in October 1987, Sika slowed down his in-ring career in 1988 and officially retired in 1991.
The Wild Samoans’ influence extended past what they did in the ring, and after Sika retired, he stayed in wrestling as a trainer. The Pennsylvania-based Wild Samoan Training Center, where Afa himself trained Sika in the early 1970s, produced a litany of notable wrestlers and managers, including Batista, Umaga, Yokozuna, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Paul Heyman. Sika is also the father of Roman Reigns, one of the longest-reigning world champions in WWE history and arguably the biggest star of the modern era. He and Afa made a rare post-retirement WWE appearance to celebrate Reigns’ victory over cousin Jey Uso at Hell In A Cell 2020.
Sika Anoa’i was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 as one half of the Wild Samoans, receiving acknowledgment for his work and legacy in professional wrestling as a pioneer of American tag team wrestling and as a mentor to dozens of wrestlers in retirement. His contributions to the wrestling business cannot be overstated, and the mark he left on the industry will continue to be felt long after him.
Everyone at WrestlePurists would like to extend their condolences to Sika’s friends and family at this time.
