Roman Reigns made his first public appearance since his father’s passing on June 25, 2024. The WWE star was seen visiting the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Center, where he took photos with fans and spread smiles despite his personal grief.
Sika Anoa’i, Reigns’ father, passed away at the age of 79. As one-half of The Wild Samoans, Sika was a legendary figure in wrestling, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. During his induction speech, Sika proudly mentioned his children, including Roman Reigns, highlighting the close bond they shared.
Earlier in the day, Reigns posted a heartfelt tribute to his father on Twitter, expressing his sorrow and honoring Sika’s legacy. His visit to the children’s center shortly after showcased his strength and commitment to his fans, even in difficult times.
Roman Reigns is no stranger to overcoming adversity. In late 2018, he announced a break from WWE due to a leukemia diagnosis, shocking the WWE Universe. Speaking with CBS Sports, Reigns later opened up about the overwhelming support he received from fans during his battle with the illness. He reflected, “It was like a huge redeeming quality on our society to me where it was like, ‘No matter what really goes down, we have your back.’ All entertainment and storyline aside, they all got behind me. Everybody put their arms around me and just made me feel like everything was going to be OK.”
Reigns made a triumphant return to WWE just weeks before WrestleMania 35, immediately entering a feud with Drew McIntyre. At WrestleMania, Reigns defeated The Scottish Warrior, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Despite the recent loss of his father, Roman Reigns continues to embody the spirit and strength that have made him a beloved figure in the WWE Universe. His dedication to his fans and his ability to rise above personal challenges serve as an inspiration to many.
