WWE Stars Pay Tribute To Matt ‘Rosey’ Anoa’i

The WWE lost another one of its own today when Matt “Rosey” Anao’i passed away at the age of 47. Rosey was a former WWE Tag Team Champion and member of the renowned Anao’i wrestling family that includes Roman Reigns, Rikishi, Yokozuna and The Usos to name a few.

The WWE released the following statement on the passing.

“WWE is saddened to learn that Matt Anoa’i, known to fans as Rosey, has passed away at age 47. The son of WWE Hall of Famer Sika and older brother of WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, Rosey grew up in the legendary Anoa’i wrestling dynasty.

He debuted in 2002 alongside his cousin Jamal as part of 3-Minute Warning. The imposing, powerful tandem tore through Raw’s tag team division before going their separate ways. Rosey then formed a beloved superhero duo with The Hurricane, which culminated in his first World Tag Team Championship reign.”

Many WWE Superstars also took to social media to pay tribute to the former Tag Team Champion.

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After signing with WWE in 2002, Anoaʻi and his partner, Eddie Fatu (who later became Umaga) were called up to the Raw roster. Known as 3-Minute Warning, they were utilized as enforcers for then-General Manager Eric Bischoff.

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Bubba Ray and Tommy Dreamer both spent a lot of time with Anoa’i during the beginning of his career when he was a part of the Samoan Gangsta Party with Samu, who was also one half of The Headshrinkers/Samoan Swat Team.

 

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Shelton Benjamin and Anoa’i spent a lot of time together in and out of the ring during Benjamin’s run in the WWE as part of the World’s Greatest Tag Team with Charlie Haas. 

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Not only were Regal and DeMott former WWE competitors, but both have played an instrumental role in training up and coming generation of WWE superstars. The two WWE mentors and trainers have a close relationship with the Anoa’i family. 

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Hurricane Helms was a part of perhaps, Rosey’s most memorable run in the WWE when Helms took Rosey under his wing and turned him into a Super Hero In Training.

Rosey was involved in numerous sketches involving him training to be a superhero, including helping an old lady to cross the street and attempting to get changed into his superhero costume in a phonebox. Rosey and The Hurricane teamed regularly together during this time, wrestling against teams including Chris Jericho and Christian and Evolution. On the July 19, 2004, episode of Raw, Rosey appeared with a new costume, seemingly graduated to a full superhero, officially turning him into a fan favorite.

Our thoughts go out to Anoa’i’s WWE family and friends.

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