Sika Anoa’i, born Leati Sika Anoa’i Amituana’i on April 5, 1945, was a retired Samoan professional wrestler best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). He is a member of the famous Anoa’i family, which has produced numerous prominent wrestlers. Sika’s career is marked by his success as one half of The Wild Samoans tag team, alongside his brother Afa.
Early Life and Background
Sika was born in Leone, American Samoa. His family is part of the Anoa’i dynasty, a Samoan wrestling lineage that has had a significant impact on professional wrestling. This heritage played a crucial role in shaping Sika’s career path. The family’s wrestling tradition began with High Chief Peter Maivia, who is Sika’s uncle by marriage. Sika moved to the United States with his family at a young age, settling in San Francisco, California.
Early Career
Sika and Afa trained under Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia. They made their professional wrestling debuts in the early 1970s, wrestling in various regional promotions. Their Samoan heritage and impressive physical presence helped them stand out, and they quickly gained popularity.
The Wild Samoans
In the mid-1970s, Sika and Afa formed The Wild Samoans, a tag team characterized by their wild, untamed personas. They rarely spoke in interviews, instead grunting and performing tribal dances, which added to their mystique. Managed by Captain Lou Albano, The Wild Samoans became known for their brutal, hard-hitting style and their unorthodox behavior, which included headbutting each other and eating raw fish in the ring.
World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
The Wild Samoans joined the WWF in the late 1970s, where they achieved significant success. They captured the WWF World Tag Team Championship three times, making them one of the most dominant teams of their era. Their first reign began in April 1980 when they defeated Ivan Putski and Tito Santana. Their second reign started in September 1980 after they defeated Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. They reclaimed the titles for a third and final time in March 1983, defeating Chief Jay Strongbow and Jules Strongbow.
During their time in the WWF, The Wild Samoans feuded with some of the biggest names in wrestling, including The Strongbows, Bob Backlund, and Hulk Hogan. Their wild, unpredictable style made them fan favorites, despite often being portrayed as heels (villains).
Outside the WWF
In addition to their success in the WWF, The Wild Samoans also wrestled in other promotions around the world. They held championships in various territories, including Georgia Championship Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Their international appeal helped solidify their reputation as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history.
Later Career and Retirement
Sika’s wrestling career began to wind down in the mid-1980s. He continued to wrestle occasionally, both in singles competition and in tag teams, but by the late 1980s, he had largely retired from active competition. Despite stepping away from the ring, Sika remained involved in the wrestling business, particularly through his family’s wrestling promotion, World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW), which he founded with his brother Afa.
Legacy and Contributions
Sika Anoa’i’s contributions to professional wrestling extend beyond his in-ring accomplishments. As a member of the Anoa’i family, he has played a crucial role in mentoring and training the next generation of wrestlers. His sons, Matthew Anoa’i (Rosey) and Leati Joseph Anoa’i (Roman Reigns), have both enjoyed successful wrestling careers. Roman Reigns, in particular, has become one of WWE’s top stars, furthering the Anoa’i family’s legacy in the industry.
Sika’s influence can also be seen in the careers of other wrestlers from the Anoa’i family, including Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). The Anoa’i family is renowned for its deep roots in wrestling, and Sika’s contributions have been instrumental in maintaining and expanding this legacy.
Death
On June 25, 2024 WWE announced the death of Sika on twitter.
Conclusion
Sika’s contributions to professional wrestling have left an indelible mark, and his legacy as a pioneer and mentor will be remembered for generations to come. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a career that has had a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.