The wrestling world misplaced an enormous this week as Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, finest identified merely as Sika of the Wild Samoans, passed away last week. The daddy of superstars Roman Reigns and Rosey (Matthew Anoa’i), was a patriarch of the Samoan Dynasty and thought of The Frontline of The Bloodline together with his brother Afa and Peter Maivia.
As assist for Sika’s household and mates poured in, Reigns, in a statement on X, thanked everybody for his or her well-wishes whereas praising his father, writing, “My father had a profound influence on my complete household and we’re perpetually grateful for the inspiration he constructed for us. There’s no method to fill the void left by his passing however my sisters and I’ll do our greatest to characterize him and his legacy.”
Rikishi, the daddy of Jimmy and Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa mirrored on the influence Sika had on him, writing on social media, “As an expert, he confirmed me all the ropes, (actually) and guided me on ‘roadlife,’ and being one of many boys. However extra importantly, as my Uncle, he taught me to decelerate, take my time, and actually ENJOY life.” The WWE Corridor of Famer additionally devoted the latest episode of his podcast, Rikishi Fatu Off The Top, which was recorded the day Sika handed.
As The Bloodline returned to work to renew its present storylines, Cageside Seats continues providing condolences, prayers, and finest needs to Sika’s household, mates, and followers.
And the Oscar goes to Paul Heyman
The primary act of the most recent Bloodline household drama concluded violently on SmackDown final Friday, as Paul Heyman was brutally crushed and hospitalized after rejecting Solo Sikoa as his Tribal Chief.
Following the assault, the demand for Roman Reigns’ return has intensified, with a lot reward being heaped on Heyman for rising followers’ needs. The Clever Man delivered a efficiency worthy of an Oscar, probably settling the controversy on the best non-wrestling character of all time. From his look to the bodily sacrifices he made, Heyman stole the present, enhancing wrestling’s finest storyline.
Throughout what was marketed as an Acknowledgment Ceremony, Heyman appeared genuinely distressed. He hadn’t shaved in days, the colour in his hair was fading, and his eyes have been puffy and purple as if he hadn’t slept in a number of days. It was the sort of methodology performing that may eclipse even one of the best work of Marlon Brando, who by no means needed to eat a Samoan Spike or take a powerbomb via a desk for any of his movies.
However that’s the sort of sacrifice the WWE Corridor of Famer made for his craft.
As Sikoa’s henchmen — Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu — every acknowledged Sikoa because the Tribal Chief, it was Heyman’s flip. With tears in his bloodshot eyes, Heyman virtually collapsed in grief as he was handed Roman Reigns’ ula fala, the normal Samoan necklace symbolizing Reigns’ excessive standing inside The Bloodline and the Samoan Dynasty. Heyman clutched the sacred necklace to his coronary heart as if he have been embracing the lifeless stays of The Head of the Desk.
Confronted with abandoning Reigns to guard his security, Heyman, a personality identified for his dishonesty and self-preservation, remained loyal, telling Sikoa, “Solo, I really like you. And I acknowledge that you’re not my Tribal Chief.”
What adopted was a barbaric assault.
The 4 males took turns beating the 58-year-old non-wrestler, culminating in a triple powerbomb via an announcer’s desk. Followers at Madison Sq. Backyard gasped as Heyman crashed via the desk, mendacity face down as if murdered. Taking part in up his accidents, Heyman was stretchered out of the arena and loaded into an ambulance, the place he lastly opened his eyes, wanting disturbingly disoriented.
All eyes now flip to Cash within the Financial institution this Saturday as Sikoa and his crew face Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a six-man tag group match. With the second act set to start, many marvel if Reigns will return and search retribution or maintain off for a gallant comeback later this summer time.
Regardless, Reigns’ return has turn into essentially the most anticipated occasion of the 12 months. Because of Heyman’s bodily sacrifices, the following section in The Bloodline’s saga may elevate an already surging WWE to even higher heights within the weeks forward.
Solo Sikoa just isn’t Triple H’s Tribal Chief both
Amid a simmering energy wrestle with The Bloodline, Cageside Seats not too long ago requested its readers who they consider is the true Tribal Chief. Almost 60% of voters chose Roman Reigns, a sentiment echoed by WWE’s Chief Content material Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Throughout a current look on The Pat McAfee Show, Levesque declined to specify a return date for essentially the most preeminent performer in sports activities leisure historical past however affirmed Reigns’ place atop the Samoan Dynasty.
“Whenever you discuss Tribal Chief, you’re speaking about Roman Reigns, irrespective of who lays declare to that,” stated Levesque.
As Sikoa makes an attempt to wrest this distinction from Reigns, arenas worldwide reverberate with chants of “We Need Roman.” Whether or not it’s the night time after WrestleMania throughout Rhodes’ victory speech or CM Punk’s newest deal with in Chicago, audiences universally acknowledge Reigns because the true Tribal Chief.
On-screen, this doesn’t sit effectively with Sikoa, whose face twists with disgust each time followers cry for Reigns’ to return dwelling to the Island of Relevancy. When he does, Levesque teased that point may be up on The Bloodline’s present regime.
“You very clearly see that shift of ‘We’re working the present now,’ and ‘That is the brand new Tribal Chief, that is the brand new Head of the Desk, and that is the place that is headed.’ That’s solely going to final for thus lengthy earlier than there’s a return,” stated Levesque.
