Roman Reigns does not have a twin brother, but he did have an older brother, named Matthew Tapunu’u Anoa’i (who was better known in the wrestling community as WWE Superstar Rosey).
It is not always well understood because of internet myths, but many fans question, “Who is Roman Reigns’ twin brother?” but the truth is, Reigns only had one brother, and he was not a twin. His only male sibling was Rosey, and his presence was influential in Reigns’ career in and out of the ring.
Born Leati Joseph Anoa’i, Roman Reigns is part of the legendary Anoa’i family which includes famous superstars like The Rock, Rikishi, The Usos, Yokozuna and more.
The brotherly ties of Roman and Rosey often ended in public being mixed, based on their shared Samoan roots and wrestling backgrounds.
In a heartfelt tribute video published by WWE, featuring Roman Reigns, he reflected on his late brother Rosey, saying:
“He wasn’t just my brother; he was my protector.”
(WWE video tribute, April 2017)
Rosey debuted in WWE on July 22, 2002, during an episode of Monday Night Raw.
He appeared alongside his cousin, Eddie Fatu (later known as Umaga), as part of the tag team 3-Minute Warning.
Later in his career, he teamed up with The Hurricane as part of a comedic-yet-beloved duo, where he was known as the Super Hero in Training (S.H.I.T.).
How Did Roman Reigns’ Brother Pass Away?
Unfortunately! Rosey died April 17, 2017, at the age of 47. The mode of death was congestive heart failure. It was reported that the condition was caused by complications from weight problems as well as previous injuries suffered.
His death sent shock waves throughout the wrestling community, more particularly within the Anoa’i family.
Since then, Roman Reigns has been candid regarding the emotional price his brother’s death exacted from him. In a couple of interviews, Reigns talked about Rosey’s influence to the point of saying that Rosey was more than just an older brother – he was a mentor, motivator, and guardian.
“He left a gap in my life when he lost him. But I pay honor to him every time I enter the ring,”
Reigns said during a tribute video aired by WWE in 2017.
What Impact Did Rosey Have on Roman Reigns’ WWE Career?
Rosey played a huge role in preparing Roman for WWE life. He didn’t just inspire Roman, he mentored him.
From locker room respect to dealing with pressure, Rosey passed down real-life knowledge. Roman often credits these early lessons for shaping his championship mindset.
Watching Rosey perform in front of massive crowds gave Roman a front-row education. By the time Roman debuted, he already understood the business from a veteran’s perspective, thanks to his brother, Rosey.
In a heartfelt 2017 interview with WWE.com, Roman Reigns opened up about the pain of losing his brother, He said:
“Right now, it’s one of those situations where it’s a lot of mixed feelings. When you live in a big family, it’s always great to be able to come together, but to have to come together to send off a brother — and not only was he my brother, but in our family, even when you’re cousins, we’re all so close that we feel like brothers. That’s the type of connection we have in our family.”
Roman further added:
“My only hope now is that I can continue to represent my family and represent my brother and continue to push our legacy. He was my number one fan. He never missed a match, he never missed anything I did in the ring, he always had great advice for me and always reached out to talk. Payback and 2017 and any chance I get to go in that ring I’m representing him.”
In the WWE/A&E Biography: Legends documentary, Roman Reigns watched an old interview of his late brother, Rosey. Hearing Rosey speak about him, Roman got emotional. Rosey had said:
“He had something special… That specialty was something to do with athletics, just to focus in the gym, focus all through high school and college. He knew Joe was set for something great. You know, He’s set in the bar in our family that much higher.”
Though Roman Reigns never had a twin brother, his bond with Rosey was as deep as any twin connection could be.
Their relationship stood as a powerful example of brotherhood and legacy in one of wrestling’s most respected families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roman Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa’i, has one known biological brother: Matthew Tapunu’u Anoa’i, best known in WWE as Rosey. Rosey was also a professional wrestler and was Roman Reigns’ older brother. Matthew (Rosey) passed away in 2017. In addition to his brother, Roman Reigns has three sisters named Vanessa, Mytriza, and Summer.
Roman Reigns’ real brother is Matthew Tapunu’u Anoa’i, better known in WWE as Rosey. Rosey was an accomplished professional wrestler and the older brother of Roman Reigns. He passed away in 2017. There are no other confirmed biological brothers; Matthew (Rosey) is Roman Reigns’ only known real brother.
