Bloodline members pay tribute to Roman Reigns' late father
Members of The Bloodline have paid tribute to Roman Reigns' father, WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa'i, following his passing yesterday at the age of 79. Sika Anoa'i was the father to Roman Reigns in real life and was a part of a tag team with his brother Afa known as The Wild Samoans.
Afa and Sika Anoa'i appeared on the entrance ramp following Roman Reigns' victory over Jey Uso at WWE Hell in a Cell 2020 and celebrated with The Tribal Chief. The Bloodline's Tama Tonga took to his Instagram story today to pay tribute to Anoa'i.
Jacob Fatu made his debut with the promotion this past Friday night and attacked Cody Rhodes during his battle with Solo Sikoa. The newest edition to The Bloodline on SmackDown took to his X/Twitter account today to honor Sika Anoa'i following his passing.
"🙏LOVE YOU UNCLE SIKA🙏," he wrote.
Bill Apter on if Roman Reigns' WWE return could be delayed following Sika Anoa'i's passing
Legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter has shared his thoughts on Roman Reigns' return to WWE and if it will be delayed due to the loss of his father.
Reigns has not appeared on WWE television since his loss to Cody Rhodes in the main event of Night Two of WrestleMania. The Bloodline is now targeting The American Nightmare once again on SmackDown. Solo Sikoa recently told Paul Heyman that The Tribal Chief is not returning at all.
Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's UnSKripted show, Apter said Reigns' return to SmackDown depends on how he is feeling and noted that the veteran was very close with his father.
"If it was going to be this week or the following week, possibly. Other than that I don't think it will. [...] It's hard to really put your finger on it because we don't know what his psychological state will be, whether he is ready to come back to wrestling. He and his dad were super super close." [From 23:09 onwards]
You can check out the video below:
Wrestling fans have begun to chant "We want Roman!" during the 39-year-old's hiatus from the company. It will be fascinating to see when The Head of the Table returns to SmackDown.