Tag: sika

Wrestling Weekly: AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door predictions

Posted on by Victor Sosa

It’s our AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door prediction show! Will there be a new AEW Champion crowned? Plus, a look ahead to WWE Raw this coming Monday and thoughts on two greats who passed this week: Sika and Louie Tillet.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

July 1, 2024 Observer Newsletter: The life & times of Sika, full preview of AEW Forbidden Door

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: WWE

The new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is available for subscribers with a lead story looking back at the life of Sika.

“Sika Anoa’i, who with brother Afa, formed the Wild Samoans tag team and is the father of Roman Reigns (Leati Joseph Anoa’i) passed away on 6/25 at the age of 79.

While some credit Peter Maivia (Pita Fanene Anderson) or even Neff Maiava as the start of the Samoan dynasty, as far as actual blood relatives, the large family tree that includes Reigns, The Usos, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Samula, Afa Jr., Jacob Fatu, Yokozuna, Rosey, Umaga and Solo Sikoa, started with Afa & Sika.

Pola’ivao Leati Sika Amituana’i Anoa’i was born April 5, 1945, in the village of Leone on the Island of Tutuila in American Samoa. He was one of 13 children. He and brother Afa made up the tag team, while first cousin Solofa Fatu Sr., who never wrestled, was the father of Junior (who became more famous as Rikishi after starting his career using the name Fatu and being part of the Samoan Swat Team or SST team as a second generation Samoans, with either brother Sam, who wrestled as the Samoan Savage, Tonga Kid and Sam Fatu, or cousin Samula, who was Afa’s son), Sam and Edward (Umaga). Jacob Fatu is Sam’s son. The Usos (Jonathan & Joshua Fatu) and Sikoa are Solofa Fatu Jr.’s sons.

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

“He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Other stories include:

  • A preview of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door
  • A look at WWE’s multi-PLE deal with Indianapolis, Indiana
  • The death of Jamie Kellner, a key TV executive who essentially pulled the plug on WCW
  • Thoughts on the final Who Killed WCW?

Subscribers can click here to read the full issue.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Remembering Sika, AEW Dynamite & NXT recaps, Collision taping, Forbidden Door preview

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Sika, Pat McAfee’s father and Gunther Zapf; a look at the final episode of “Who Killed WCW?”, the loss of cable homes and the weekly ratings, AEW & NXT TV reviews plus lineups for Sunday’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door and NXT’s next PLE, Collision spoilers and more.

A packed show as always so check it out.

Timestamps:
Start: Deaths of Sika, Gunter Zapf
15:49: Rhea Ripley & Buddy Matthews get married, Bret Hart surprises Dax Harwood
17:34: ‘Who Killed WCW’ finale
34:44: Loss of cable homes & ratings
43:58: AEW Dynamite recap, Forbidden Door lineup
59:51: WWE NXT highlights
1:07:40: AEW Collision spoilers

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Daily Update: Sika, Mya Lesnar, Shaquille O’Neal

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered in this issue:

  • WWE sets gate record at Clash at the Castle, as well as a look at other metrics
  • Running down the news of the show
  • The Drew McIntyre angle
  • A look at the next two PPVs
  • What the other metrics tell us about the interest level for Clash
  • Why the Cung Le lawsuit that was thought to be settled hasn’t been ratified
  • What worried the Judge
  • What worries the lawyers on both sides
  • The real world and real life issues regarding the settlement
  • Update on Forbidden Door, All In and the Owen Hart tournament
  • Kevin Kelly talks suing AEW
  • The G1 Climax tournament
  • Key news notes on the tournament
  • Review of TripleMania in Tijuana
  • A look at this week’s episode of Who Killed WCW
  • The most detailed look at the ratings this past week for all the shows, quarters, competition and placings
  • CMLL Anniversary show note
  • Mistico anniversary week notes
  • Former WWE star now agent for AAA
  • Update on Giulia, Marigold and WWE
  • Notes on the death of one of Argentina’s top stars from the heyday
  • Shocker rehab notes
  • More on the shooting involving Shannon Ritch
  • Life of James Castle
  • TNA PPV rundown
  • AEW’s new Triller deal
  • Details on the Shane McMahon story going around
  • Attendance advances for all the upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • Streaming numbers for the week
  • International ratings
  • Update on McGregor vs. Chandler
  • Thoughts on Jake Paul’s next fight
  • New Wyatt Sicks news
  • Injury updates
  • Timeline of Hulk Hogan coming to WWF from AWA

This week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter back issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • The New York Times published a Sika Anoa’i obituary following his passing at 79 years old.
  • A graphic honoring Sika was shown during NXT last night. “Earlier today we learned of the passing of Sika Anoa’i,” Vic Joseph said on commentary. “And from the isle of Samoa to the WWE Hall of Fame, he’ll always have a seat at the table.”
  • Rikishi reflected on what Sika meant to him:
    • When I think of my Uncle Sika, the first word that comes to mind is MENTOR; he was my first trusted adviser, confidant, and someone who always spoke his mind!
    • As a professional, he showed me all of the ropes, (literally) and guided me on ‘roadlife,’ and being one of the boys. But more importantly, as my Uncle, he taught me to slow down, take my time, and truly ENJOY life. 
    • We both loved living in Pensacola and appreciated the slower pace of life. My Uncle had perfected his ‘Samoan Southern Drawl.’
    • My Uncle Sika’s roots began in Samoa, however, with his chosen profession and limitless talents, he touched the world! Yes, he was WILD and I could go on and on with stories, but for now, I simply want to express my deep gratitude for what I was able to experience with him. He will forever remain in my heart and mind.
    • While my heart breaks for my family, I’m reminded that God makes NO mistakes and I’m comforted that he’s now with my Mom and that makes me smile. Thank you, Uncle Seek, I love you, FLY HIGH.
  • Nathan Frazer defeated Akira Tozawa on WWE Speed this week. Next Wednesday, Xavier Woods vs. Frazer will air on the show. The winner earns a title shot against WWE Speed Champion Andrade.
  • ComicBook Nation asked Bianca Belair if there’s any chance we could see WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark appear at the 2025 Royal Rumble in Indianapolis:
    • It’s so funny because everybody’s already asking that. Even before the press conference, they’re bringing up Caitlin Clark. Listen, I love what’s happening with the WNBA. I love that women are getting more spotlight and more attention. I’ve always said, you know, we don’t need to do anything different. We just need the opportunities, we need the media coverage, and the WNBA is doing that. I feel like WWE, we’ve done a lot of unprecedented things when it comes to women, whether it’s women main eventing WrestleManias, main eventing on a weekly basis at Raws and SmackDowns or PLEs.
    • So it would be really cool for the two worlds to combine and have an even bigger impact for women. So Caitlin Clark, if you’re watching, come on. Come in the Royal Rumble. You can be one of the 30 participants. That’s what’s exciting about the Royal Rumble, right? You never know what’s gonna happen. It could be the past, the present, the future or just someone that you don’t expect. So, you might see Caitlin Clark, 2025 Royal Rumble right here in Indianapolis.
  • 9News in Colorado put together a story on shot putter Mya Lesnar and her Olympic aspirations. Mya discussed stepping out of the shadow of her father Brock Lesnar:
    • He’s one of my biggest supporters, but, honestly, I am here to make a name for myself. I think I’ve been in his shadow for so many years, which is cool, I guess. But, honestly to me, what I want people to know is he’s dad to me. I honestly don’t look at him as this superstar of a person. Him just being in my corner and now me kind of being in the spotlight and him in my shadow a little bit, watching me. I think that’s super cool.
  • Former WWE’s The Bump host Matt Camp said that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were conversations between WWE and the White House about having Dr. Anthony Fauci on The Bump to discuss pandemic awareness. Camp said the idea got far down the line and he thinks Vince McMahon was initially on board, but McMahon ultimately decided it was too political.
  • WWE uploaded a WWE Retrospective video with Sheamus looking back at some of his greatest moments.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • Sports Illustrated reports that contacts at Warner Bros. Discovery stressed to them that last week’s record low AEW Dynamite rating was not a cause for concern and they expect the number to increase significantly tonight with Big Bang Theory back as the lead-in instead of Black Panther:
    • Contacts at Warner Bros. Discovery stressed that the one low rating was not a cause for concern. The belief is that the rating will jump considerably tonight, especially with the Big Bang Theory returning to its familiar spot as the lead-in.
  • Tony Khan told Sports Illustrated that he’d love to have NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal back in AEW whenever Shaq is available:
    • I would love to have Shaq back in AEW any time he’s available. He’s one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, and he’s extremely talented on-air in a number of roles. Shaq is also the greatest celebrity wrestler in wrestling history. But what people didn’t see is what happened backstage. When he wrestled in AEW, he went around backstage and showed respect to all the wrestlers. He told the wrestlers, ‘I want to make you look good.’ It was unbelievable. That’s the most recognizable athlete on the planet doing that.
  • AEW mourned the passing of German commentator Gunther Zapf: “With great sadness, AEW mourns the passing of Günter Zapf. A member of AEW Germany’s announce team for many years, he will be dearly missed.”
  • Bret Hart surprised Dax Harwood with a visit for his 40th birthday. Harwood turns 40 years old on June 30.
  • AEW shared an AEW Represents video spotlighting Anthony Bowens.
  • This Saturday, Orange Cassidy and Brodie Lee Jr. are doing a meet-and-greet at the Champs Sports store at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York.
  • The Metro published a story on Joe Hendry.
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. AJ Francis will take on the TV taping portion of MLW’s event in St. Petersburg, Florida on Friday, July 12.

Roman Reigns thankful for ‘outpouring of support’ after father Sika’s passing

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Roman Reigns has released a statement thanking fans for their “outpouring of support” following the death of his father, WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i.

In a message posted to X on Tuesday, Reigns noted his thanks, and spoke about the lasting legacy his father left for his family. Reigns wrote:

“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 foundation he built for us. There’s no way to fill the void left by his passing but my sisters and I will do our best to represent him and his legacy.  Rest in Power, Dad. We love you.”

Sika and brother Afa were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2007. As The Wild Samoans, the duo held the WWF Tag Team Championship on three occasions.

Sika vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship aired as part of one of the more memorable episodes of Saturday Night’s Main Event. The two wrestled for the title on the October 3, 1987 SNME, the episode that also featured the birth of the Mega Powers.

Reigns is currently on hiatus from WWE after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40 this past April.

Daily Update: Sika, Adam Copeland, WWE 2K24

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered in this issue:

  • WWE sets gate record at Clash at the Castle, as well as a look at other metrics
  • Running down the news of the show
  • The Drew McIntyre angle
  • A look at the next two PPVs
  • What the other metrics tell us about the interest level for Clash
  • Why the Cung Le lawsuit that was thought to be settled hasn’t been ratified
  • What worried the Judge
  • What worries the lawyers on both sides
  • The real world and real life issues regarding the settlement
  • Update on Forbidden Door, All In and the Owen Hart tournament
  • Kevin Kelly talks suing AEW
  • The G1 Climax tournament
  • Key news notes on the tournament
  • Review of TripleMania in Tijuana
  • A look at this week’s episode of Who Killed WCW
  • The most detailed look at the ratings this past week for all the shows, quarters, competition and placings
  • CMLL Anniversary show note
  • Mistico anniversary week notes
  • Former WWE star now agent for AAA
  • Update on Giulia, Marigold and WWE
  • Notes on the death of one of Argentina’s top stars from the heyday
  • Shocker rehab notes
  • More on the shooting involving Shannon Ritch
  • Life of James Castle
  • TNA PPV rundown
  • AEW’s new Triller deal
  • Details on the Shane McMahon story going around
  • Attendance advances for all the upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • Streaming numbers for the week
  • International ratings
  • Update on McGregor vs. Chandler
  • Thoughts on Jake Paul’s next fight
  • New Wyatt Sicks news
  • Injury updates
  • Timeline of Hulk Hogan coming to WWF from AWA

This week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter back issue

Tuesday Update

WWE

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • Adam Copeland on Instagram posted an update on his foot injury: “The splint is off! More scars! 5 more screws and another plate. I’m becoming Robocop.”
  • Renee Paquette talks to Nyla Rose this week on Close Up with Renee Paquette.
  • The Huber family is donating 100% of the royalties from the upcoming Brodie Lee Reebok sneakers to Highmark Caring.
  • In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Tetsuya Naito said he would give his G1 Climax spot to Jon Moxley if he fails to win the IWGP World Heavyweight title at Forbidden Door. 
  • TMZ has more on the 2 Cold Scorpio stabbing incident, including images from the victim who required dozens of staples and stitches following the altercation.
  • A no rope death match between Matt Riddle and Sami Callihan is set for MLW Blood and Thunder on July 12.
  • PWInsider reported that UWN’s Dave Marquez is the new head of production for MLW, which is upgrading their production setup ahead of Blood and Thunder.
  • Stevie Richards is launching a podcast that debuts on Friday.
  • Mance Warner will defend the GCW World Championship in a ladder match against Blake Christian and Joey Janela on August 24.

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i passes away

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Sika Anoa’i, a tag team legend and pivotal member of one of pro wrestling’s greatest families, has passed away at 79 years old.

His death was announced on Tuesday by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i. Sika was the father of five children including WWE star Roman Reigns (Joe Anoa’i) and late WWE wrestler Rosey (Matt Anoa’i).

“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th,” Jahrus wrote.

“He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Sika was part of one of the top tag teams of the 1970s/1980s, teaming with his brother Afa as The Wild Samoans. They held the WWF Tag Team titles three times and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

The Anoa’i family legacy continues to live on today with the ever-expanding Bloodline story that has dominated the WWE main event scene for much of the past four years.