Roman Reigns and the Art of Samoan Tattooing: Unveiling the Man Behind the Ink
One of the striking features of Roman Reigns is not just his powerful moves in the wrestling ring but also the intricate tribal tattoos that adorn his body. Fans have long admired and wondered about the stories these designs tell. As it turns out, much like his wrestling moves, his tattoos, too, are deeply rooted in his Samoan heritage. Reigns, along with The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and several other Samoan wrestlers, showcase tattoos that hold significant cultural and personal meanings. More than just designs inked on their bodies, these tattoos reflect the rich history and traditions of the Samoan culture. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, stated that his right arm tattoo alone took a staggering 17 hours to finish. You can find symbols representing the mats his ancestors used for worship and spearheads. It depicts the idea of armour, protection, and strength. Introducing the Master Craftsman: Michael Fatutoa, aka ‘Samoan Mike’ But who is the man trusted by Reigns and many others to etch these important symbols onto their bodies? That honour goes to Michael Fatutoa, widely recognized as ‘Samoan Mike’ in the tattoo world. With a profound understanding of tribal designs, Samoan Mike specializes in Polynesian tattoos. His impeccable craftsmanship is not just about tattooing; it’s about weaving a story, a heritage, and a culture into a living canvas. Both Roman Reigns and Jey Uso have vocally praised Samoan Mike for his work. They acknowledge not just his skill but also the depth of understanding and respect he has for the Samoan culture. The level of trust these wrestlers place in him speaks volumes about his reputation and skill in the industry. The Legacy of Tribal Tattoos: Tracing Back to High Chief Peter Maivia The tradition of Samoan tattoos is not a recent phenomenon. It can be traced back to High Chief Peter Maivia. The High Chief sported a ‘Pe’a’ – a remarkable tattoo extending from the waist to the knees. In the Samoan culture, the Pe’a is not just a design. It is a symbol of leadership, a mark of distinction, showcasing one’s role as a leader in the community. The legacy left behind by High Chief Peter Maivia has not just been carried forward but proudly flaunted by the current generation of wrestlers. Big names like The Rock and The Usos, among others, bear tribal tattoos on their chest, arms, and legs, representing their pride in their Samoan roots. Wrestling might be about strength, tactics, and entertainment. But for wrestlers like Roman Reigns and The Usos, it’s also about showcasing their identity. Every time they step into the ring, they bring along not just their training; but also their ancestry, symbolized by the tattoos that cover their bodies. It’s artists like Samoan Mike who ensure that traditions are kept alive, stories are told, and heritage is celebrated. In a way, through his art, he keeps the spirit of the Samoan culture alive, one tattoo at a time.
Legacy Continues: Another Samoan to join Wrestling Ring this week, says Rikishi
In a compelling announcement, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently declared that another member from the esteemed Anoa’i family is ready to step into the wrestling ring. Zilla Fatu, the son of the late Umaga (Rikishi’s brother), is set to make his debut in the sport that his family has dominated for decades. Born Isayah Fatu, he has adopted his professional name in a nod to his Samoan heritage, following the trend set by his forebears in the wrestling business. This latest addition to the Anoa’i family legacy has been in intensive training with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (ROW) promotion and is scheduled to make his first in-ring appearance on July 15 at ROW’s Summer of Champions show at the Humble Civic Center, Texas. Rikishi Weighs in on the Newest Addition to the Wrestling Dynasty Rikishi expressed his confidence and pride in his nephew’s decision to join the family business. “I’m proud to say my younger brother Umaga’s youngest son, Zilla Fatu, real name Isayah, he’s out there with Booker T in Houston, Texas, so he’s under good hands. He wanted to try the family business,” Apter pressed Rikishi on the potential of other Samoan wrestlers waiting in the wings, pointing towards the continuing strength of the Samoan lineage in the wrestling world. The former Intercontinental Champion didn’t reveal specifics but seemed optimistic about the future of the Anoa’i wrestling legacy. Rikishi’s Potential Return to WWE and Thoughts on Solo Sikoa In addition to introducing his nephew to the wrestling world, Rikishi also addressed the speculations about his potential return to the WWE, hinting at a possible solution for The Bloodline’s problems. However, he remained non-committal, preferring to let the anticipation build and keeping fans eagerly guessing. Moreover, Rikishi also expressed his opinions on Solo Sikoa’s use of Umaga’s former finishing move, the Samoan Spike. The move is a tribute to the late Umaga, and its usage symbolizes continuity and respect within the Samoan wrestling tradition. A New Dawn in the Samoan Wrestling Saga With the debut of Zilla Fatu, the Anoa’i family continues to solidify its place in wrestling history. Their legacy, enriched by the likes of WWE legends like Rikishi and Umaga, now adds another chapter with Fatu’s step into the wrestling ring. As the world watches, the Samoan bloodline is once again ready to showcase its wrestling prowess and further the dynasty’s respected reputation.
