The wrestling community is shocked by the sudden passing of Sika Anoa’i, a popular professional wrestler and the father of WWE star Roman Reigns. Fans and other wrestlers were shocked by his unexpected tumble on June 25. Despite their troubled history, John Cena was one of the first to express his condolences on social media through a heartfelt tribute to the Anoa’i family.
Cena’s heartfelt homage
In recent years, John Cena, a well-known character in the WWE, has had several disagreements with Roman Reigns, one of the Anoa’i family’s members. Nevertheless, the impact of Sika Anoa’i’s death went beyond professional competitions. Cena’s Instagram post, which included a sentimental picture of Sika, was a quiet yet impactful show of honor and grief. This surprising display of unity highlighted Cena’s true character and the mutual respect that transcends the wrestling arena.
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A rivalry with a lot of history
John Cena and the Anoa’i family have a well-established and well-known relationship. His fights with The Rock, Rikishi, Umaga, and Roman Reigns will always be remembered in WWE history. The rivalry between Cena and Rikishi started when a spontaneous rap fight turned into a notable encounter in 2002. Cena and Umaga had a spectacular feud in 2006 that lasted almost a full year and ended at Royal Rumble 2007 in a last-man match. The rivalry persisted as Cena competed against The Rock in consecutive WrestleManias and, most recently, engaged in a thrilling match that enthralled spectators in a matchup with Roman Reigns. Despite the intense rivalry, Cena’s respect for the wrestling heritage is evident in his tribute to Sika Anoa’i.
Roman Reigns’ Sincere Reaction
Roman Reigns, who is currently the main figure of WWE and the son of Sika Anoa’i, used social media to express his sorrow and pay tribute to his father’s impact. In a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), Reigns shared how deeply his father influenced his life and career. My family and I are grateful to all for the overwhelming support for my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will always be honored as a member of The Wild Samoans wrestling duo. The influence my father had on my family was significant, and we will always appreciate the groundwork he laid for us. “We can never replace him after his death, but my sisters and I will strive to honor him and his memory,” Reigns expressed, emphasizing the lasting impact of his father.
My family and I thank everyone for the outpouring of support in the name of my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will forever be remembered as one half of The Wild Samoans tag team. My father had a profound impact on my entire family and we are forever grateful for the…
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) June 26, 2024
The Impact of Sika Anoa’i’s Legacy
Sika Anoa’i’s impact on wrestling is massive. Sika, along with his brother Afa, was part of The Wild Samoans and left a legacy that has impacted many wrestlers throughout generations. His sons, Roman Reigns and the deceased Rosey, have upheld the family legacy with great honor. Sika has played a key role in molding Roman Reigns into the successful superstar he is now with his guidance and wisdom. The overwhelming support from the wrestling community highlights the great respect Sika earned.
An Honor that cannot be expressed in words
John Cena’s homage to Sika Anoa’i shows that even in times of grief, differences can be put aside and respect can endure. Cena’s action demonstrated the strong connection among wrestling community members, going beyond individual and work-related disagreements. While dealing with this tough period, Roman Reigns and his family received backing and admiration from their colleagues and supporters around the globe.
