Professional wrestling has long been a sport steeped in lineage, with family relationships playing a large role in the narrative of many wrestlers’ careers. From the iconic Hart family to the legendary McMahon dynasty, the wrestling industry has seen its fair share of family ties. Among the most frequently asked questions from wrestling fans is whether Roman Reigns is related to Dwayne.”The rock“Johnson.
However, the complexities of family relationships in the fight extend well beyond the relationship between Roman and Rock. With so many intertwined lineages, it can be challenging to keep track of who is related to whom. This list will examine the answer to that question and 9 other wrestling family relationships will be explained.
WWE has heavily pushed the “cousin” aspect of their relationship, but in reality, they are not related by blood. The Rock’s close friendship with “Reverend” Amituana’i Anoa’i and “High Chief” Peter Maivia led to their families coming together as one, despite not being related by blood. The Rock’s mother was adopted by Reigns’ great-uncle.
Reigns and The Rock are recognized members of the same family and are very distant cousins. your potential wrestling The match can be built on your heritage and family tree, showing the strength of your connection even after many generations have passed.
9 Is Blackjack Mulligan’s grandfather Bray Wyatt?
The often overlooked Windham/Rotunda family of wrestlers boasts impressive members. The late Blackjack Mulligan was a WWE Hall of Famer and his sons Kendall and Barry Windham followed, with Barry becoming a member of the Four Horseman and former champion, known for wrestling after being shot in Leg.
Mike Rotunda married Barry’s sister, which means that Blackjack Mulligan is the grandfather of Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas.
8 Was Lance a true Von Erich?
Soon, a new generation of wrestling fans will discover the history of the Von Erich family through the upcoming A24 film, the iron claw. Starring Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich and featuring AEW Champion MJF as fictional cousin Lance, the film tells the tragic story of the Von Erichs’ struggles both in and out of the ring, ultimately leading to their demise.
However, all is not as it seems, as Lance Von Erich was not a real member of the family, but a fighter trained by Fritz Von Erich and introduced as a cousin. Despite his best efforts, Fritz eventually fired Lance after only two years.
7 Is Samoa Joe in the Anoa’i family?
Samoa Joe, known as The Samoan Submission Machine, is a highly successful wrestler from Samoa, despite not being part of the famous Anoa’i family. He began his career at age 20 and worked his way up the independent circuit, gaining recognition in Impact Wrestling and other promotions such as Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and AAA.
He is currently with All Elite Wrestling and has won many titles including world championships in Impact Wrestling, NXT, and Ring of Honor. Samoa Joe is also the current ROH Television Champion.
The Anderson family is a recognized name in professional wrestling. Initially, Gene and Lars Anderson teamed up, and then Ole and Arn Anderson joined, becoming famous members of the Four Horsemen.
However, none of them were really related; only Gene carried the last name Anderson. They even claimed Ric Flair as a cousin. Ole, Lars, and Arn had different real names: Al Rogowski, Larry Heiniemi, and Marty Lunde, respectively.
5 Is Jim Neidhart a “Hart”?
Jim Neidhart was a Californian athlete whose professional football career with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys faltered in the preseason. He then switched gears and trained under Stu Hart to become a professional wrestler, debuting in Hart’s Stampede Wrestling promotion.
During this time, Neidhart married Stu Hart’s daughter Ellie, officially becoming a member of the Hart family.
4 Is Horace Hogan really Hulk Hogan’s nephew?
Horace Hogan, nephew of legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, shared a great bond with his uncle. Although his career was not very notable, he played a crucial role in helping Hulk Hogan defeat The Ultimate Warrior in halloween havoc in 1998.
Later, when the Hulk made him part of the New World Order, Horace changed his last name to Hogan to reflect his loyalty.
The wrestling world mourned the loss of Road Warrior Animal, who passed away at the age of 60 of natural causes. Few knew that Animal’s brother, John Laurinaitis, was married to the mother of the Bella twins, so Animal was his adoptive uncle.
Recently, Animal’s wife, Kim Laurinaitis, opened up about the passing of her husband on Legion of RAW with Chris Featherstone, including how the family, including the Bella Twins, was coping.
It may come as a surprise, but Jerry “The King” Lawler and The Honky Tonk Man are actually cousins. Both had successful careers in professional wrestling, with Honky Tonk considered one of the greatest intercontinental champions and Lawler being a GOAT in commentary and in-ring performance.
Despite their shared history, their relationship has been rocky, with Honky Tonk making disparaging comments about Lawler. However, they are now on good terms, despite spending little time together.
1 Is Nia Jax in the Anoa’i family?
Since her debut in May 2015, Nia Jax, also known as Savelina Fanene, has made a significant impact in the WWE Women’s Division. Her arrival on the main roster in July 2016 marked the beginning of an impressive wrestling career filled with dominating performances and high-profile fights against stars like Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss and Ronda Rousey.
She is the first female wrestler from the Anoa’i family to win the WWE Women’s Championship, and Jax’s legacy as the former WWE Raw Women’s Champion is secure.