There are many wrestlers who died before their time. Unfortunately, Rosey, son of Sika and brother of WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, can be added to this list. Rosey, also known as Matt Anoa’i, died at the age of 47 one year ago on April 17th, 2017.

Roman left this brief but heart-wrenching tribute to his brother on Twitter on the anniversary of his passing.

Hurricane Helms, his former tag partner, also honored the fallen WWE star.

Take a look back at Rosey’s career both in WWE and across the world.

World Wrestling Entertainment

Even though Rosey did a lot work on the independent circuit, he is more well-known for having an impressive stint in the WWE from 2002 to 2006.

Rosey made his debut as a part of the 3-Minute Warning, a heel team that would be hired as Eric Bischoff’s enforcers. They would attack random people in the ring, all on the order of Bischoff. After his heel run with the 3-minute warning, Rosey became a fan favorite by teaming up with the Hurricane. As the story goes, the Hurricane discovered Rosey’s true power as a superhero, giving Rosey a whole new character to play with. The pair eventually conquered the tag team titles by defeating La Résistance in a Tag Team Turmoil Match at Backlash 2005. However, the loss of the tag team titles would break up the team later.

All Japan Pro Wrestling

Upon his release from the WWE in 2006, Rosey moved on to All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). He changed his name to RO-Z and teamed up with Suwama. He would continue to work for the company until 2007.

Return to the WWE and the Independent Circuit

 

Rosey would return briefly to the WWE in August 2007 for a dark match before an episode of RAW. Later that year, he would begin wrestling for Ohio Valley Wrestling, which was a part of WWE developmental.

Before his death, Rosey was running a wrestling promotion with his father Sika.

Other TV Appearances

Aside from the WWE, Rosey took part in an ABC reality series called Fat March (2007). The TV program followed 12 overweight contestants attempt to walk 570 miles through nine US States. The ultimate goal for them was to get fit, but also a grand prize of $1.2 million.

During an interview, Rosey stated his motives for entering the competition. He said that it was no longer safe to compete for him as a pro wrestler and that he needed to lose weight to return to his beloved career. Unfortunately, Rosey had to leave the competition during episode 5 due to a knee injury.

His Death

 

Anoa’i had a long track record of medical problems, mainly caused by his large size. Despite efforts to lose the weight, Anoa’i was hospitalized in 2014 for congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. He would eventually die of congestive heart failure, which is currently stated as the official cause of death, on April 14, 2017. This was only 10 days after celebrating his 47th birthday.

I am sad to have to say goodbye to another legend of the wrestling industry. On behalf of everyone at Ringside Intel, I would like to express my condolences to his entire family in this difficult time. The world has lost a beloved superhero.

Share your Rosey memories in the comments below.