WWE Hall of Famer and father of star Roman Reigns was 79

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Sika Anoa’i, who became a wrestling legend as part of the tag team The Wild Samoans along with his brother, died on June 25. He was 79 years old.

No cause or place of death was given, but Anoa’i’s death was confirmed by his nephew, who said the former WWE star “died peacefully.”

Anoa’i played for WWE in the late 1970s and early 1980s alongside his brother Arthur “Afa” Anoa’i Sr. The legendary “Wild Samoans” won the WWE Tag Team Championship three times and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i,” his nephew Jahrus Anoa’I wrote in an Instagram post. “He passed away peacefully on June 25th. Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his accomplishments and the many lives he touched.”

Son Roman Reigns, a current WWE megastar whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, also confirmed his father’s death on social media.

“My family and I thank everyone for the overwhelming support on behalf of my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will forever be remembered as one half of the tag team The Wild Samoans,” Reigns wrote in a tweet. “My father had a profound impact on my entire family and we are forever grateful for the foundation he built for us. There is no way to fill the void his passing left, but my sisters and I will do our best to represent him and his legacy. Rest in peace, Dad. We love you.”

After his WWE career, Anoa’i and his brother opened the Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Training Center in Minneola, Florida.

“WWE extends its condolences to Anoa’i’s family, friends and fans,” the organization said in a statement.