By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Sika Anoai'i has sadly passed away. The former WWF Tag Team champion was 79 years of age, and while the cause of death is unknown, reports say he passed away peacefully. His nephew announced the news of his death via a post on Instagram.
Anoai'i and his brother Afa were known as The Wild Samoans. They arrived in WWE (then the WWF) in 1980. They were managed by Captain Lou Albano and soon embarked on a rampage as they dominated the WWF tag team division. At one point, Sika even challenged then-WWF champion Bob Backlund for the title in a losing effort. They would soon capture the tag team titles twice before departing the promotion in December of 1980.
For the next few years, the Wild Samoans would compete in Japan and various wrestling territories in the United States before returning to the WWF in 1983 where they would remain until 1985. They would once again depart and spend a year competing in the AWA and Jim Crockett Promotions before again returning to the WWF in 1986 and remaining there until 1988.
Sika's career and legacy are among the most respected in the business. Aside from his accomplishments in the ring, he trained many wrestlers, including the late Yokozuna, Rikishi, and his sons Rosey and Roman Reigns. It's been about seven years since the passing of Rosey and twenty-four since Yokozuna's. Pro Wrestling truly has a Samoan dynasty. And it's truly essential to the business.
The Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. They both made an appearance at the 2020 Hell in a Cell PPV. Sika's influence on many wrestlers has helped many careers prosper and flourish. Same with Afa.
On behalf of The Bear of Texas Podcast and the Playmakerz Blog, we send our deepest and sincere condolences to the family. The Anoia'i legacy continues to live on and prosper.
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