The world of professional wrestling is filled with iconic names and legendary families, but few dynasties command the respect and awe of the Anoa’i family. For generations, this Samoan family has produced some of the most electrifying and dominant performers in the squared circle. From the groundbreaking Wild Samoans to contemporary titans like Roman Reigns and Hollywood megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the Anoa’i family’s influence permeates every corner of the wrestling industry. This isn’t just a family tree; it’s a sprawling saga of athleticism, charisma, and championship gold.
WWE Smackdown Roman Reigns
To truly appreciate the scope of their impact, we delve into a comprehensive ranking of the wrestling members of the Anoa’i family, exploring their careers, achievements, and contributions to the sport. This list expands beyond the immediate bloodline of Afa and Sika, the original Wild Samoans, to encompass those connected through marriage and “blood brother” relationships, honoring the expansive definition of family embraced by the Anoa’i lineage. This includes the esteemed Maivia family, linked through a deep bond between Peter Maivia and the Anoa’i patriarchs, and extended to figures like Jimmy Snuka and even the Tongan wrestling icon, Haku, considered family due to profound personal connections.
39. Thamiko T. Fatu: Representing the newest generation, Thamiko T. Fatu, son of the legendary Rikishi, is just beginning his wrestling journey. Announced to be entering the sport in April of the previous year, he’s actively taking bookings, signaling the start of what could be another compelling chapter in the Anoa’i family story. While his career is in its nascent stages, the Fatu name carries weight, and anticipation is high for his development.
38. Zilla Fatu: Another fresh face, Zilla Fatu, son of the formidable Umaga, debuted in professional wrestling in December 2022. Training initially with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Zilla inherits a powerful legacy. Learning from both his father’s in-ring prowess and Booker T’s championship pedigree, Zilla is one to watch as he hones his skills and carves his own path.
37. Journey Fatu: Continuing the youth movement, Journey Fatu, son of Sam “Tonga Kid” Fatu, is making strides on the independent scene. Active since 2016, Journey has teamed with his brother Jacob, demonstrating the Fatu family’s enduring presence in tag team wrestling. Primarily competing in California, he’s gaining valuable experience and building a foundation for future growth.
36. Sean Maluta: Known as the Samoan Dragon, Sean Maluta has been a consistent presence in professional wrestling since 2004. While not always in the spotlight, Maluta has competed in various promotions and gained recognition during the WWE Cruiserweight Classic in 2016 and appearances on NXT and AEW Dark. Billed as a nephew of Afa, Maluta represents the wider reach of the Anoa’i family’s influence within the industry.
35. Nia Jax: Expanding the family circle, Nia Jax, while not directly from the Anoa’i bloodline, is related through the Maivia side as The Rock’s second cousin once removed. Despite this connection, Jax’s ranking reflects her wrestling ability rather than family ties. While she achieved success in WWE, including a Raw Women’s Championship reign, her in-ring work has often been a point of criticism among wrestling fans.
34. Sim Snuka: Son of the iconic “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, Sim Snuka, also known as Deuce of Deuce & Domino, had a WWE run that didn’t fully capitalize on his lineage. Despite training at Ohio Valley Wrestling and a main roster stint, Sim didn’t reach the heights of his father or other family members. Interestingly, he briefly used the name Solo Snuka before his Deuce persona, a name now famously associated with another Anoa’i family member.
33. Ava Raine: Carrying the weight of expectation as The Rock’s daughter, Ava Raine is in the early stages of her WWE career. At just twenty-two with limited experience, she’s navigating the pressures of living up to a legendary name. Currently developing her persona and skills in NXT, Ava shows potential and could significantly climb these rankings as she gains experience and hones her craft.
32. Ricky Johnson: Brother of Rocky Johnson, Ricky Johnson, also known as “Soulman,” carved his own path in wrestling during the 1980s. While often overshadowed by his more famous brother, Ricky was a solid performer, particularly in the NWA Polynesian Wrestling territory run by the Maivia family. His career highlights include teaming with Rocky against notable duos like the North-South Connection.
31. Tamina Snuka: Tamina Snuka, daughter of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, has had a remarkably long tenure in WWE. Debuting in 2010, she has remained with the company for over fifteen years, a testament to her reliability and professionalism. While not a top-tier champion for much of her run, Tamina has been a consistent part of the women’s division and a former Women’s Tag Team Champion.
30. Jacob Fatu: Another son of Tonga Kid, Jacob Fatu has built a strong reputation on the independent circuit, particularly in Major League Wrestling (MLW). Known for his intense style and charisma, Jacob has generated buzz and interest from major promotions. However, past legal issues have reportedly presented obstacles to signing with WWE or AEW, potentially impacting his career trajectory.
29. Trinity Fatu: Entering the Anoa’i family through marriage to Jimmy Uso, Trinity Fatu, formerly known as Naomi in WWE, has carved out a successful career. Starting with no prior wrestling experience, she developed into a skilled and athletic performer, capturing both the SmackDown Women’s Championship and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. After a period in Impact Wrestling, she has returned to WWE, further solidifying her place in the wrestling landscape.
28. Lance Anoa’i: Representing the next generation of the Anoa’i bloodline, Lance Anoa’i is the son of Samu. Debuting in 2010, Lance has honed his skills on the independent scene, including stints in MLW. A significant step in his career was a recent tour in Japan with Pro Wrestling NOAH. Learning the Japanese style could be transformative for Lance, mirroring the career boosts seen by other family members who wrestled in Japan.
27. Black Pearl: Also wrestling as Reno Anoa’i, Black Pearl, cousin to Rikishi and Umaga, is a seasoned veteran with a career dating back to 2002. While he’s wrestled extensively in the US, Black Pearl gained notable experience in Europe during a wrestling boom in the mid-2000s. He competed in Nu Wrestling Evolution, defeating names like Scott Steiner and Christian Cage, showcasing his capabilities on an international stage.
26. Dany Garcia: While not a wrestler, Dany Garcia’s inclusion highlights the multifaceted influence of the Anoa’i family. As the ex-wife and business partner of The Rock, Garcia has been instrumental in managing his Hollywood career and WWE returns through their production company, Seven Bucks Productions. Her involvement in producing “Fighting With My Family” further connects her to the wrestling world, acknowledging the broader impact of the family beyond the ring.
25. LA Smooth: A son of Afa, LA Smooth represents the pioneering generation of Anoa’i wrestlers. Active since 1987 and still competing as recently as 2022, LA Smooth has wrestled under various gimmicks and found considerable success in Puerto Rico, winning championships in both WWC and IWA. His career also includes stints in Japanese deathmatch promotions and ECW, demonstrating his versatility and longevity.
24. Manu: Another son of Afa, Manu, also known as Afa Jr., carried the family name into WWE, though his run was brief. Despite a less memorable WWE tenure, Manu has had a long and consistent career, primarily wrestling in the Pennsylvania area. His continued activity reflects the enduring passion for wrestling within the Anoa’i family.
23. Rosey: The brother of Roman Reigns, the late Rosey, had a career spanning from 1995 until his untimely passing in 2017. Rosey wrestled in various promotions, including WWC, ECW, FMW, WWE, and All Japan Pro Wrestling. In WWE, he was part of 3-Minute Warning with Umaga, showcasing his size and athleticism. His career, though cut short, demonstrated the family’s consistent presence across different wrestling landscapes.
22. Hikuleo: Stepping into the legacy of Haku, Hikuleo, Haku’s adopted son and biological nephew, is making his mark in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Trained initially by the Dudley Boyz, Hikuleo further refined his skills in the NJPW dojo. As part of the Bullet Club, he serves as the imposing enforcer, contributing to the stable’s dominance in the tag team and multi-man scene.
21. Bad Luck Fale: Another prominent figure in NJPW connected to Haku’s family, Bad Luck Fale has been a cornerstone of the promotion for over a decade. As a founding member of the Bullet Club, Fale provides the stable with size and power. While not always in the main event spotlight, Fale’s credibility allows him to be a significant spoiler in major tournaments, defeating top stars, and he also runs a wrestling school in New Zealand affiliated with NJPW, further extending his influence.
20. Samu: The elder son of Afa, Samu, father of Lance Anoa’i, boasts an impressive 40-year career in professional wrestling. Wrestling in virtually every major promotion, including World Class, New Japan, AWA, WCW, and ECW, Samu’s journey is a testament to his dedication. His WWF Tag Team Championship reign with Fatu as The Headshrinkers remains a career highlight. While often a featured player rather than a top headliner, Samu’s longevity and breadth of experience place him solidly in the upper mid-range of this ranking.
19. Gary Albright: Entering the family through marriage to Afa’s daughter Monica, Gary Albright brought a distinguished amateur wrestling background and technical prowess to professional wrestling. Trained by legends like Lou Thesz and Billy Robinson, Albright excelled in Stampede Wrestling and Japan’s UWFi and All Japan Pro Wrestling. His tag team championship reigns with Stan Hansen and Steve Williams in AJPW highlight his peak. Tragically, his career was cut short by a heart attack during a match, but his impact as a skilled and respected wrestler remains.
18. Tanga Loa: Another of Haku’s sons, Tanga Loa, initially struggled to gain traction in WWE as Camacho. However, his career took off when he joined his brother Tama Tonga in NJPW. As one half of the Guerrillas of Destiny (G.O.D.), Tanga Loa has become a decorated tag team wrestler, holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships a record-breaking seven times. This tag team success has overshadowed his earlier WWE struggles and established him as a significant force in the tag team division.
17. Solo Sikoa: Perhaps the fastest-rising star on this list, Solo Sikoa has made an immediate impact in WWE. Debuting directly on the main roster and joining The Bloodline, Sikoa has quickly established himself as a dominant force. His victory over John Cena and consistent presence in top storylines suggest a major singles push is imminent. Sikoa’s trajectory points towards a potentially significant climb in future rankings.
16. Tonga Kid: Sam Fatu, brother of Rikishi and Umaga, began his WWF career in 1983, quickly transitioning from the Samoan Savage to the heroic Tonga Kid. At a young age, he was thrust into a prominent feud with Roddy Piper, stepping in for Jimmy Snuka. Later, as Tama of The Islanders with Haku, he continued his WWF tenure. His career journeyman path included WCW, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Japan, showcasing his adaptability and enduring presence across different wrestling styles and regions.
15. Sika: One half of the original Wild Samoans, Sika is a patriarch of this wrestling dynasty. A three-time WWF Tag Team Champion and Hall of Famer, Sika’s in-ring career laid the foundation for the family’s wrestling legacy. Trusted to face Hulk Hogan during Hoganmania’s peak, Sika was a credible and imposing figure. While ranked mid-tier in this extensive list, his foundational role and accomplishments are undeniable.
14. Tama Tonga: The most accomplished wrestler among Haku’s sons, Tama Tonga is a standout performer, primarily known for his tag team work in NJPW. While excelling as a tag team wrestler, Tama has also demonstrated singles prowess, particularly in matches for the NEVER Openweight Championship. His recent departure from NJPW signals a potential move to another major promotion where his skills and experience would be highly valued.
13. Jimmy Uso: One half of The Usos, arguably the greatest tag team in WWE history, Jimmy Uso has earned his high ranking through exceptional in-ring work and evolving character development. His tag team accolades alone would place him high, but his recent emergence as a compelling singles competitor further elevates his status. WWE’s decision to keep The Usos as singles competitors has allowed both brothers to showcase their individual talents.
12. Umaga: Edward Fatu, known as Umaga, had a career of dramatic transformation and tragic brevity. Starting in WWE as part of 3-Minute Warning, he was released but reinvented himself in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Returning to WWE as Umaga, he adopted a character that, while initially controversial, became a vehicle for his incredible in-ring performances. Umaga reached the main event of WrestleMania 23, showcasing his monster heel persona. His career was tragically cut short due to substance abuse issues, leaving a legacy of “what could have been” for a wrestler of immense talent.
11. Lia Maivia: Unique on this list as non-wrestler, Lia Maivia, Peter Maivia’s wife and The Rock’s grandmother, is recognized for her vital role as a wrestling promoter. Taking over Peter Maivia’s NWA Polynesian Wrestling territory after his death in 1982, Lia successfully ran the promotion for years, booking major names and keeping the family’s wrestling business alive. Her success as a female promoter in a male-dominated era is a testament to her strength and business acumen.
10. Rocky Johnson: Entering the top ten, Rocky Johnson, father of The Rock, was a headlining wrestler across North America from the 1960s to 1980s. While often remembered for his WWF Tag Team Championship with Tony Atlas, Johnson had a rich career before and after, competing in almost every major territory outside the AWA. His consistent support for the Maivia family’s NWA Polynesia territory, even during his WWF tenure, highlights his family loyalty and enduring legacy.
9. Jey Uso: While both Usos are exceptional, Jey Uso is ranked slightly higher due to his more extensive singles run. Breaking away from the tag team first, Jey has had high-profile WWE Championship matches against Roman Reigns and a Tribal Combat match at SummerSlam. These singles opportunities have allowed Jey to showcase his individual charisma and in-ring storytelling, solidifying his position as a top-tier performer.
8. Rikishi: Solofa Fatu, known to most as Rikishi, is a central figure in the Anoa’i wrestling dynasty. Nephew of Afa and Sika, father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa, Rikishi has had a multifaceted career. From the Samoan Swat Team/Headshrinkers tag team to his popular singles run as Rikishi, he achieved championship success and pop culture impact. Beyond wrestling, Rikishi also promoted Nu Wrestling Entertainment in Italy, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit within the industry.
7. Afa: The patriarch of the Anoa’i wrestling family, Afa, along with his brother Sika, formed the Wild Samoans and established the family’s wrestling legacy. While his in-ring career mirrors Sika’s, Afa’s greater contribution lies in his role as a trainer. Heading the Wild Samoan Training Center and WXW promotion for 27 years, Afa has trained countless wrestlers, including family members and stars like Dave Batista, shaping generations of wrestling talent.
6. Haku: Considered an “uncle” to The Rock and deeply connected to both the Anoa’i and Maivia families, Haku’s career is marked by toughness and international acclaim. Starting in sumo and All Japan Pro Wrestling, Haku transitioned to Puerto Rico and then the WWF, where he became a recognizable figure. Stints in WCW and Mexico’s CMLL further broadened his reach. Renowned for his legitimate toughness, Haku is a respected figure both in and out of the ring, bridging different wrestling cultures and families.
5. Yokozuna: Rodney Anoa’i, known as Yokozuna, was a wrestling phenomenon of immense size and surprising agility. After stints in New Japan and Mexico, he debuted in WWF as Yokozuna, quickly rising to the top. As WWF Champion, he faced top stars of the 1990s. Tragically, his weight contributed to a decline in his health and career, but his peak showcased a unique and dominant big man who left a lasting impression on wrestling history.
4. Roman Reigns: “The Tribal Chief,” Roman Reigns, stands as the contemporary standard-bearer for the Anoa’i family. With multiple world championships and a dominant reign, Reigns has become a defining figure in modern WWE. While ranked fourth in this extensive list, his career is still actively unfolding, with potential to climb higher. Reigns’ sustained success and top-level positioning solidify his place among the Anoa’i wrestling elite.
3. Jimmy Snuka: “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, while never a world champion in WWF, was a wrestling megastar and a cultural phenomenon. His high-flying style and charismatic persona captivated audiences during wrestling’s territorial era and into the 1980s boom. Snuka’s popularity was such that he was considered a potential top star for Vince McMahon’s national expansion, highlighting his drawing power and lasting impact. Despite controversies later in life, Snuka’s contribution to wrestling’s popularity and his place within the Anoa’i family (through marriage to a niece of Peter Maivia) are undeniable.
2. Peter Maivia: “High Chief” Peter Maivia is the foundational figure of the Anoa’i wrestling dynasty. His wrestling career, beginning in the early 1960s, spanned the globe, from the UK and Hawaii to Japan and California. A top contender for world championships in the NWA and AWA, Maivia was a respected and influential figure. Crucially, his career inspired Afa and Sika to enter wrestling, setting in motion the Anoa’i family’s multi-generational legacy.
1. The Rock: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, transcends professional wrestling to become a global entertainment icon. Following in his father Rocky Johnson’s footsteps, The Rock rose to unprecedented heights in WWE during the Attitude Era, becoming one of the most charismatic and popular wrestlers of all time. His transition to Hollywood has made him one of the highest-grossing and most recognizable actors in the world. The Rock’s unparalleled success, both in wrestling and mainstream entertainment, unequivocally places him at the pinnacle of the Anoa’i wrestling family legacy. His impact extends far beyond the ring, bringing wrestling into the global spotlight and solidifying the Anoa’i name as synonymous with excellence and superstardom.
WWE Smackdown Roman Reigns
The Anoa’i family’s story is more than just a list of wrestlers; it’s a living, breathing history of professional wrestling itself. From pioneering figures to contemporary champions, their collective contributions have shaped the industry and continue to inspire generations of performers and fans alike. The legacy of the Anoa’i family is firmly etched in wrestling history, a dynasty of unparalleled influence and enduring excellence.
