Roman Reigns might be The Tribal Chief now, but there is an extensive history of Chiefs in the Anoa’i wrestling family who came before the WWE Universal Champion.

One of them happens to be his father, Sika Anoa’i, who started wrestling before Roman was even born. Here’s the story of the Hall Of Famer.

Sika was trained by his brother, Afa and Kurt Von Steiger as well. He made his debut in 1973 in Stampede Wrestling and was called ‘Sika.’ He formed a tag team with Afa, and they called themselves ‘The Wild Samoans.’

The tag team made their debut in WWF in 1980, and Lou Albano was their manager. Sika was also an individual competitor and even challenged Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship.

The Wild Samoans also toured and wrestled in different parts of the world. They wrestled in New Japan at the beginning of the ’80s and even competed at Madison Square Garden.

The two wrestled in different parts of the US as well before eventually making a return back to WWF in 1983.

After defeating The Strongbow Brothers, the Samoans returned with the same manager and won the WWF World Tag Team Championship for the third and final time. Unfortunately, Sika got injured, and the Tag Team Championship reign ended in 1983 as well.

After the loss, The Wild Samoans dumped Albano as their manager and then fought for the championship again on several occasions but failed.

Then in 1984, Anoa’i challenged Hogan for the WWF Championship and lost the match.

The Wild Samoans left the WWF once again after a five-year run.

“It’s Your A**” – King Woods Threatens Roman Reigns Before WWE SmackDown

Anoa’i’s legacy: From Sika to Roman Reigns

After his partner, Afa retired in 1986; Sika made his third return to WWF as an individual competitor. Managed by The Wizard, he spent several weeks undefeated before losing to Pedro Morales in November 1986.

His singles run did not last long because Anoa’i formed a tag team with Kamala. The duo wrestled a couple of matches and took part in several tournaments. In the end, the team was dissolved when Kamala left the WWF.

Trending

“Ricky Starks and”: Triple H Reportedly Set to Sign Three Top AEW Talents From Tony Khan Following Dynasty

April 23, 2024 06:29 AM EDT

“Good Feud”: Dominik Mysterio May Be Opponent for AEW Star’s Rumored WWE Arrival

April 23, 2024 08:17 AM EDT

Jey Uso Teases New Alliance With Roman Reigns & Bloodline After Unscripted Matching Gifts Emerge

April 24, 2024 11:26 AM EDT

“No Real Story”: Cody Rhodes’ Backlash Booking Pointed Out Amid Sudden Fan Uproar Against WWE Champion

April 23, 2024 07:00 PM EDT

“Being Depressed”: Cody Rhodes’ Brother Goldust Shares Concerning Update Amid Online Hate for Cody’s WWE Title Reign

April 24, 2024 09:51 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest WWE stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Unfortunately, the rest of his WWF run was just a few matches and some sporadic appearances before leaving the company for the final time in 1988.

Sika Anoa’i retired in 1988 but remained active in wrestling. He continued to train wrestlers and then also founded his independent promotion based in Florida.

In 2007, WWE inducted The Wild Samoans into the Hall of Fame. Additionally, The Wild Samoans appeared briefly at Hell in a Cell to celebrate Reigns’ victory, and they passed on the crown Tribal Chief to Reigns.

Even though his career wasn’t a long and prosperous one, Sika’s son, Roman Reigns, has carried on his Samoan legacy and will go down as one of the greatest in WWE history.

Unfortunate News on Kofi Kingston Amidst On-screen Rivalry with Roman Reigns