The Samoan influence in WWE and professional wrestling is undeniable. From the electrifying promos of The Rock to the dominant reign of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, the contributions of Samoan wrestlers are etched in wrestling history. If you’re a fan, the mere mention of “Samoan” likely conjures images of superkicks from The Usos, the intimidating presence of Jacob Fatu, or Roman Reigns delivering a devastating Superman Punch.
For decades, Samoan wrestlers have been integral to the pro wrestling landscape. From the legendary tag team of Afa and Sika Anoaʻi to the modern era of The Bloodline, they have consistently been a central part of WWE programming. This family has not only produced a remarkable number of wrestling icons but has also amassed countless championships and broken numerous records. Given the sheer volume of talent emerging from this lineage, it’s easy for fans to lose track of the extensive family tree that underpins these ring legends.
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Delving into the Anoaʻi Family Tree
The Anoaʻi family stands as the most prominent Samoan wrestling dynasty, a lineage that has profoundly impacted professional wrestling, particularly within WWE and various NWA promotions. Key figures within this wrestling royalty include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), Rikishi, Rosey, Umaga, Yokozuna, and the iconic Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika), along with Peter Maivia. Often referred to as “The Dwayne Johnson family” and now increasingly “The Roman Reigns family,” members of the Anoaʻi family have consistently formed formidable tag teams and stables, securing numerous championships across promotions. The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, The Rock, and Roman Reigns, in particular, have played transformative roles in shaping the pro wrestling industry. The Wild Samoans were celebrated tag team champions, while Yokozuna made history as the first Samoan wrestler to capture the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
The Rock spearheaded the WWF’s Attitude Era, becoming one of wrestling’s biggest ever draws. Roman Reigns has been the designated face of WWE since 2014, continuing the family legacy. These Samoan wrestlers have been instrumental in revolutionizing and defining professional wrestling as we know it today. The Anoaʻi family’s vast network of Samoan wrestlers, competing across numerous promotions, are interconnected, making their lineage complex to trace. Remarkably, since WrestleMania 29, only three WrestleMania events have not featured a Samoan dynasty member headlining. WrestleMania Hollywood notably saw Samoan wrestlers dominate both nights, with The Usos headlining Night One as Undisputed Tag Team Champions and Roman Reigns main eventing Night Two as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Wild Samoans: Pioneers of Samoan Wrestling (1973-1995)
The brothers Sika Anoa’i Amituana’i and Afa Anoa’i Sr. formed The Wild Samoans, a tag team synonymous with hardcore wrestling. Throughout their distinguished career, they captured 20 tag team championships worldwide, primarily in Mid-South Wrestling, NWA, and WWF (WWE). Their in-ring personas were characterized by raw action over words, embodying a truly ‘Wild’ style. Infamous for biting opponents and even consuming raw fish, The Wild Samoans were a spectacle to behold.
Joining WWF in 1979 under the management of Lou Albano, they held the WWF World Tag Team Championships three times. After a brief stint in NJPW post-1980 WWF, their legacy solidified. Sika is the father of Roman Reigns, further cementing the family’s wrestling lineage. The Wild Samoans were deservedly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. In a symbolic moment after Hell in a Cell 2020, The Wild Samoans legacy was honored as they appeared to celebrate Roman Reigns’ victory over Jey Uso, acknowledging Reigns as the Tribal Chief, a title now central to the Samoan wrestling narrative.
Yokozuna: Breaking Barriers (1985-2000)
Rodney Agatupu Anoa’i, known as Yokozuna, was presented as a dominant sumo wrestling champion representing Japan. Managed by Mr. Fuji, he debuted on Superstars in October 1992. Yokozuna achieved significant accolades, including two WWF Tag Team Championships, two WWF World Heavyweight Championships, and winning the 1993 Royal Rumble.
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Yokozuna holds the distinction of being the first Samoan wrestler to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship and the first Royal Rumble winner to earn a World Championship match at WrestleMania’s main event due to a direct stipulation. He headlined both WrestleMania IX and X against Bret Hart for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. His notable feuds included Bret Hart, Lex Luger, Hulk Hogan, and The Undertaker. Remembered as a Samoan wrestling legend, Yokozuna was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
Rikishi: The Attitude Era Icon (1985-2007)
Solofa F. Fatu Jr., wrestling as Rikishi, adopted a name meaning sumo wrestler, similar to his cousin Yokozuna. Rikishi entered WWF in 1992 as part of The Headshrinkers tag team with his cousin Samu. His signature move, the Stink Face, became a defining and notorious element of the Attitude Era.
As part of the renowned Dwayne Johnson family branch of Samoan wrestlers, Rikishi was involved in prominent Attitude Era feuds with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, The Undertaker, and fellow Samoan wrestler The Rock. In WWE, he held the WWF Intercontinental Championship once and the tag team titles three times. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015. Crucially, Rikishi is also the father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa, further expanding the Anoa’i family’s wrestling footprint.
The Rock: Electrifying the World (1997-2004, 2011-2013, 2024)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is arguably the most globally recognized professional wrestler. Debuting in WWF as Rocky Maivia in 1996, he initially struggled to connect with fans as a babyface. However, a heel turn and joining The Nation of Domination in 1997 transformed his career. Rocky Maivia evolved into “The Rock,” the “Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment,” forever altering professional wrestling. He spearheaded the Attitude Era, playing a pivotal role alongside Stone Cold Steve Austin in WWF’s victory over WCW in the Monday Night Wars. The Attitude Era is widely considered the golden age of WWE and pro wrestling.
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The Rock’s presence alone elevated arenas. A two-time Intercontinental Champion, five-time World Tag Team Champion, ten-time World Champion, and the 2000 Royal Rumble winner, The Rock drove unprecedented ticket sales and TV ratings for WWF. He main-evented WrestleMania XXVIII, the most purchased PPV worldwide in WWE history, and WrestleMania X-Seven, the most purchased domestically. He was also part of the highest-rated Raw and SmackDown segments ever. Undeniably, The Rock is the greatest Samoan wrestler of all time, a unique and irreplaceable force.
Umaga: The Samoan Bulldozer (2001-2009)
Edward Smith Fatu initially debuted on the main roster as Jamal in 2002 with his cousin Rosey in the heel tag team 3-Minute Warning. In April 2006, he returned as “Umaga,” a destructive and ruthless Samoan wrestler.
Umaga embarked on a dominant winning streak, defeating top WWE Superstars including John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Kane. His undefeated streak lasted nine months before being broken by John Cena. Major feuds included Kane, John Cena, Bobby Lashley, Batista, and CM Punk. Umaga held the Intercontinental Championship twice, showcasing his impact as a powerful singles competitor.
The Usos: Tag Team Dynasty (2008-Present)
Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Solofa Fatu) and Jey Uso (Joshua Samuel Fatu), The Usos, are among WWE’s most decorated tag teams. Debuting in WWE’s developmental brand FCW in 2009, they joined the main roster in 2010 with their cousin Tamina Snuka. Eight-time WWE World Tag Team Champions, The Usos are celebrated for their technical prowess, tag team innovation, and compelling promo skills, consistently delivering classic matches. Jimmy and Jey are the sons of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, nephews of Umaga, and cousins of Roman Reigns.
The Usos are central to the Anoa’i family’s dominant faction, The Bloodline. Formed after Roman Reigns defeated Jey Uso in 2020, The Bloodline, which also includes Paul Heyman, has become arguably the most successful faction in modern WWE history. The Usos, along with their younger brother Solo Sikoa, have been pivotal to The Bloodline’s dominance, with Reigns holding his championship for nearly three years. The Usos have captured both the RAW and SmackDown Tag Team Championships, and Solo Sikoa has held the NXT North American Championship, highlighting the family’s widespread championship success.
Tamina Snuka: Second-Generation Star (2010-Present)
Sarona Moana Marie Reiher Snuka-Polamalu, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, competes as Tamina Snuka. She debuted on WWE RAW in 2010 alongside The Usos. Throughout her career, she has feuded with Natalya, AJ Lee, and Kaitlyn, and allied with Nia Jax, Natalya, and Lana. Tamina has held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship and the WWE 24/7 Championship multiple times, demonstrating her versatility and longevity in WWE. While still with WWE, she is currently off the active roster.
Nia Jax: The Irresistible Force (2014-Present)
Nia Jax (Savelina Fanene) made an immediate impact in WWE’s Women’s Division. Debuting in NXT in 2015 and joining the main roster in 2016, Jax quickly established her dominance, feuding with top female wrestlers like Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss, and Ronda Rousey. Nia Jax is a former Queen of the Ring and current WWE Women’s Champion, and a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, showcasing her status as a top female competitor.
Roman Reigns: The Tribal Chief Era (2010-Present)
Roman Reigns (Leati Joseph “Joe” Anoa’i) has been positioned as the face of WWE since 2014. Despite initial fan resistance, Reigns has solidified his position as a top star and become a dominant force. He debuted in WWE’s developmental territory FCW in 2010 and made a memorable main roster debut at Survivor Series 2012 as part of The Shield with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.
Reigns overcame early career criticism to become one of the most compelling and consistently engaging performers in WWE. He has rightfully earned his place among the great Samoan wrestlers. A member of the Dwayne Johnson family, he is related to Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga, The Tonga Kid, The Usos, and The Rock, highlighting the vast family network.
Reigns is one of WWE’s most decorated wrestlers and a major box office draw. His rivalry with Brock Lesnar is the only one to headline three different WrestleMania main events. Reigns is also one of only two individuals to defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. His Universal Championship reign, beginning at Payback 2020, became the longest world championship reign of the WrestleMania era, lasting 1316 days, cementing his place in wrestling history.
Solo Sikoa: The Enforcer (2021-Present)
Solo Sikoa debuted in NXT in 2021. The younger brother of The Usos and son of Rikishi, Sikoa made his main roster presence known at Clash at the Castle, aiding Roman Reigns in defeating Drew McIntyre. He joined The Bloodline and the SmackDown roster, becoming a key member of the faction. Sikoa briefly held the NXT North American Championship after defeating Carmelo Hayes, further extending the family’s championship lineage.
Following WrestleMania XL, with Reigns taking a hiatus, Sikoa assumed leadership of The Bloodline, proclaiming himself the Tribal Chief. He ousted Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman, welcoming Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu into the group, signaling a new chapter for The Bloodline and the Samoan wrestling family narrative within WWE.
Thamiko T Fatu: The Next Generation
Thamiko Fatu, also known as Jeremiah Fatu, is the brother of The Usos and Solo Sikoa, and son of Rikishi. He began his wrestling career on the independent circuit in 2023 and is anticipated by many to soon join WWE, potentially continuing the family’s legacy in the company.
Jacob Fatu: The Bloodline Enforcer (2024 – Present)
Jacob Fatu, son of Sam Fatu and nephew of Rikishi, gained recognition in Major League Wrestling before debuting in WWE in June 2024. Joining The Bloodline, he became the faction’s enforcer and quickly won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Tama Tonga, further solidifying the family’s tag team dominance in WWE.
Zilla Fatu: Rising Star
Zilla Fatu, son of the late Umaga, is an emerging wrestler known for his physique and powerful style. Currently competing on the independent circuit, notably for Reality of Wrestling (ROW), Zilla Fatu is speculated by fans to potentially debut in WWE, either aligning with or opposing Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline.
Lance Anoa’i: Expanding the Dynasty
Lance Anoa’i, son of Samu, has wrestled in various promotions, including MLW, where he held the MLW World Tag Team Championship. Trained by his cousin Roman Reigns, Lance Anoa’i signed with WWE in 2024, adding another branch to the extensive Anoa’i family tree within WWE.
Anoa’i Family Championships and Accomplishments in WWE
| Wrestler | Championships won | Reigns |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | WWE Championship | 8 |
| WCW Championship | 2 | |
| WWF Intercontinental Championship | 2 | |
| WWF Tag Team Championship | 5 | |
| Royal Rumble | 1 (in 2000) | |
| WrestleMania main events | 5 | |
| Roman Reigns | WWE Championship | 4 |
| Universal Championship | 2 | |
| Intercontinental Championship | 1 | |
| WWE United States Championship | 1 | |
| WWE Tag Team Championship | 1 | |
| Royal Rumble | 1 (in 2015) | |
| WWE Undisputed Universal Championship | 1 | |
| WrestleMania main events | 7 | |
| Yokozuna | WWF Championship | 2 |
| WWF Tag Team Championship | 2 | |
| Royal Rumble | 1 (in 1993) | |
| WrestleMania main events | 2 | |
| The Usos | WWE RAW Tag Team Championship | 3 |
| WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship | 5 | |
| Intercontinental Championship | 1 | |
| WrestleMania main events | 1 | |
| Nia Jax | WWE RAW Women’s Championship | 2 |
| WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship | 2 | |
| Tamina Snuka | WWE 24/7 Championship | 9 |
| WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship | 1 | |
| Wild Samoans | WWF Tag Team Championship | 3 |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Class of 2007 | |
| Solo Sikoa | NXT North American Championship | 1 |
| Jacob Fatu | WWE Tag Team Championship | 1 |
