Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns are two of the most dominant and successful wrestlers of Samoan origin in WWE history. They have faced each other in several epic battles, including a Universal Championship match at Backlash 2018. But are they related by blood or not? Here is the truth behind the Samoan wrestlers.
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Samoa Joe’s family background
Samoa Joe, whose real name is Nuufolau Joel Seanoa, was born in Orange County, California, to parents who operated a Polynesian dance troupe named Tiare Productions. He grew up learning various forms of martial arts and cultural dances. He started his wrestling career in 1999 at Ultimate Pro Wrestling, a WWE developmental territory at the time. He then honed his skills in Japan, working for Pro Wrestling Zero-One and Pro Wrestling Noah. He became a star in Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling, where he won multiple championships and accolades. He signed with WWE in 2015 and joined NXT, where he became a two-time NXT Champion. He moved to the main roster in 2017 and won the United States Championship twice. He was released by WWE in January 2022 due to injury issues.
Roman Reigns’ family background
Roman Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa’i, was born in Pensacola, Florida, to parents who were members of the famous Anoa’i wrestling family. His father is Sika Anoa’i, one half of the Wild Samoans tag team. His brother is Rosey, who was also a WWE wrestler. He is a cousin of The Rock, The Usos, Rikishi, Umaga, Yokozuna, and many other wrestlers of Samoan descent. He played college football at Georgia Tech and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars, but did not make it to the NFL. He started his wrestling career in 2010 at Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE’s developmental territory at the time. He debuted on the main roster in 2012 as part of The Shield, along with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. He became a four-time WWE Champion, a two-time Universal Champion, a one-time Intercontinental Champion, a one-time United States Champion, and a one-time Tag Team Champion. He is currently the leader of The Bloodline faction, which includes his cousins The Usos.
The answer is no. Samoa Joe is not related to Roman Reigns by blood or by marriage. They both have Samoan heritage, but they come from different families. Roman Reigns belongs to the Anoa’i family tree, which traces its roots to Amituana Anoa’i and Leoso Ripley from American Samoa. Samoa Joe belongs to the Seanoa lineage, which has no connection to the Anoa’i clan. Samoa Joe is one of the few wrestlers of Samoan origin who is not associated with the Anoa’i or Maivia families.
However, that does not mean that Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns have no respect or admiration for each other. They have shared the ring several times and have always delivered high-quality matches. They have also praised each other in interviews and social media posts. Samoa Joe once said that he would be open to joining The Bloodline if it made sense for his character, but he also said that he did not want to be grouped with people just because they share the same cultural heritage. Roman Reigns once called Samoa Joe a “great performer” and a “great human being” who deserved better treatment from WWE.
Conclusion
Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns are two of the best wrestlers in the world today, but they are not related to each other. They have different family backgrounds and different career paths, but they have a common bond of being proud Samoans who represent their culture with honor and dignity.
