Matt Anoa'i, a former WWE superstar known as Rosey during his time in the WWE and the brother of WWE superstar Roman Reigns (Joe Anoa'i), died Monday. He was 47.
Rosey made his WWE debut in July 2002 along with his cousin Eddie Fatu (known then as Jamal, and later Umaga) as part of the tag team 3-Minute Warning. The following year, adopting a superhero character, Rosey teamed with "The Hurricane" Shane Helms, and the pair eventually won the WWE tag team titles in 2005.
Rosey was a part of the vast Anoa'i Samoan family dynasty. Rosey and Reigns are the two sons of Sika, one-half of the WWE Hall of Fame tag team the Wild Samoans. Rosey's biological cousins include Yokozuna (Rodney Anoa'i), Umaga, Rikishi (Solofa Fatu) and the Tonga Kid (Sam Fatu)
Rosey's relatives released a collective statement to WWE.com Tuesday morning.
"The Anoa'i family is mourning the loss of Sika's son, Matt aka Rosey, due to an untimely death.
"We want to let his fans know that he loved them and the wrestling world so much. In his passing, he left three beautiful young children and a heartbroken family. Please respect the privacy of his children and family as they mourn the loss of this kind, loving, gentle man, who was a father, son, brother and a superhero to us all.
"Our family appreciates your prayers and continued support during this very difficult time."
Rosey was released from his WWE contract in March 2006, and he last performed for the company in a pair of untelevised matches in 2007. More recently, Rosey was working with his father for a wrestling promotion in Pensacola, Florida.