If there is a thing that is thicker than blood in the wrestling world, it’s the dominant history of the Johnson family. While Dwayne Johnson is undoubtedly the most famous member of the clan, thriving in Hollywood, it appears that wrestling blood runs through his family.
The Rock, who stands 6 feet, 5 inches tall, comes from a long line of Samoan professional wrestlers. Though he is technically not related to Roman Reigns or The Usos, he is promoted on WWE television as their cousin. Reigns, real name Leati Joseph Anoa’i, is a well-known professional wrestler and former football player.
Well, that being said, Nia Jax is Johnson’s real cousin and a current WWE wrestler. Come along as we reveal the little-known backstories of The Rock’s cousins, who are causing a stir in the WWE world.
1. Roman Reigns
To begin with, let us discuss the ‘Tribal Chief’ himself, Roman Reigns. It is no secret that Reigns (real name: Leati Joseph Anoa’i) is related to The Rock in a special way. The Rock’s grandfather Peter Maivia and Roman Reigns’ grandfather Amituana Anoa’i were “blood brothers”. In 2010, he secured a contract with WWE and was subsequently given responsibility for overseeing their developmental division, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). The multi-time world champion is a part of the renowned Anoa’i wrestling dynasty. Having said that, he is an incredible force to be reckoned with, forging his own route while upholding the family heritage.
Even though his popularity had significantly declined following his 2015 Royal Rumble victory (via Pro Wrestling Torch), he has been incredibly entertaining and has consistently been able to provide the fans with matches that are equally intriguing and enthralling. He is deserving of his reputation as one of the greatest Samoan wrestlers.
Considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers working in the world right now, Reigns stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 265 pounds.
2. The Usos
Just when you believed the tag team division couldn’t get any more exciting, here entered The Usos, Jimmy (Jonathan Solofa Fatu), and Jey (Joshua Samuel Fatu). These charming twins, who are cousins of Roman Reigns, are also related to Dwayne Johnson via their father, the WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, who is also a “blood brother” to Johnson. Prominent for their daring stunts and eloquence, The Usos are evidence that brilliance runs deep in the Samoan family.
As of right now, Jimmy and Jey Uso are arguably one of the greatest tag teams in their country. They were members of the evil stable The Bloodline from July 2021 to June 2023, along with their younger brother Solo Sikoa, real-life second-cousin and group leader Roman Reigns.
The brothers are regarded as one of the best tag teams in professional wrestling history by both critics and peers. With their fifth reign with the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, they set a record for the longest male tag team championship reign in WWE history, clocking in at 622 days.
3. Nia Jax
Never let her gorgeous appearance fool you—Nia Jax (Savelina Fanene) is a formidable competitor in the women’s division. The real cousin of the Rock is no stranger to drawing big audiences. And boy, she does that more often!
Thus, in the WWE, Fanene, who is well-known for her extraordinary strength and control in the ring, never fails to draw attention and shatter stereotypes. The moment Fanene entered the ring, she immediately made an impression on the WWE Women’s Division. Jax joined the main roster in July 2016 after making her NXT debut in May 2015.
Being the first female wrestler from the Anoa’i family, she has held the titles of WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion twice and Raw Women’s Champion once, both times with Shayna Baszler. As her theme song puts it, the 272-pound superstar
“Is not like most girls”.
Fanene’s WWE contract ended in November 2021, but she signed back with the company and returned in September 2023, following a brief appearance at the Royal Rumble in January 2023.
Well, it seems she is just getting started on her journey.
