The Anoa’i family is one of the most prominent and influential families in professional wrestling history. With members like The Rock, Roman Reigns, The Usos, Rikishi, Yokozuna and many more, the Anoa’i family has produced some of the biggest stars and champions in the industry.
But what about Bronson Reed, the former NXT North American Champion who recently made his debut on IMPACT Wrestling? Is he related to the Anoa’i family as well?
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The answer is no
Despite both being of Samoan descent, Bronson Reed and the Anoa’i family are not related to each other. Bronson Reed was born in Adelaide, Australia and began wrestling there before he moved to the United States. He is not part of the Anoa’i family tree, which traces its roots to American Samoa.
The Anoa’i family consists of several generations of wrestlers who are either blood relatives or related by marriage. The founders of the family, Elder Reverend Amituana’i Anoa’i and his wife Tovaleomanaia Leoso Ripley, had seven sons and four daughters, who went on to have their own children and grandchildren who became wrestlers.
Some of the most notable members of the Anoa’i family are:
– Afa and Sika Anoa’i, also known as The Wild Samoans, who were a legendary tag team and WWE Hall of Famers.
– Rodney Anoa’i, also known as Yokozuna, who was the first Samoan wrestler to become WWF World Heavyweight Champion and a WWE Hall of Famer.
– Solofa Fatu Jr., also known as Rikishi, who was a popular and charismatic wrestler and a WWE Hall of Famer. He is the father of Jimmy and Jey Uso, also known as The Usos, who are one of the most successful tag teams in WWE history.
– Leati Joseph Anoa’i, also known as Roman Reigns, who is the current WWE Universal Champion and the face of WWE since 2014. He is also a cousin of Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, who is arguably the most famous wrestler and actor in the world.
– Savelina Fanene, also known as Nia Jax, who is a former WWE Raw Women’s Champion and a second cousin once removed of The Rock.
The respect is mutual
Even though Bronson Reed is not related to the Anoa’i family, he has expressed his respect and admiration for them in several interviews. He has also acknowledged the influence and inspiration that Samoan wrestlers have had on his career.
In an interview with Sportskeeda in 2020, Bronson Reed said:
> “I think it’s very important for me to represent my culture because growing up I saw guys like Rikishi or Umaga or even The Rock representing their culture on such a big stage. And I always thought that was so cool because I could relate to them.”
He also revealed that he had met some members of the Anoa’i family and received their support and advice.
> “I’ve met Roman Reigns a couple of times. He’s always been very nice to me. I’ve met Rikishi as well. He’s given me some pointers here and there. And I’ve met The Usos as well. They’re all very cool guys.”
Bronson Reed has also received praise from some members of the Anoa’i family for his work in NXT and IMPACT Wrestling. For example, Roman Reigns tweeted his congratulations to Bronson Reed when he won the NXT North American Championship in May 2021.
> “Congrats Uce! Proud moment for you & your fam! Keep grinding & representing our people! #TonganPowerhouse #IslandBoys”
Similarly, Rikishi tweeted his support for Bronson Reed when he made his IMPACT Wrestling debut in December 2021.
> “Welcome to @IMPACTWRESTLING @bronsonreedwwe #SamoanDynasty #IslandBoys”
Conclusion
Bronson Reed is not related to the Anoa’i family by blood or marriage. However, he shares a common heritage and culture with them as a Samoan wrestler. He has also shown respect and admiration for them throughout his career. Likewise, some members of the Anoa’i family have recognized and appreciated his talent and achievements in wrestling. Therefore, even though they are not family, they are still connected by a bond of mutual respect.
