WrestleMania 39 is in the Mecca of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles, California. WWE prides itself on being the largest promotion in professional wrestling with the biggest superstars available. WrestleMania 39 will be another opportunity to prove that stance. As rumors swirl about a possible WrestleMania match for both John Cena and Steve Austin, there’s growing intrigue about a match between Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, and WWE Undisputed Champion, Roman Reigns.

The moment Reigns began to emerge as a future star outside of The Shield, fans wondered if — or when — the two men would meet in the ring. As Reigns enjoys what is a career-defining run as the Head of the Table, those rumblings are even louder. The basis of this storyline is Reigns’ absolute determination to prove he’s the reason why this family is still relevant in professional wrestling. But with The Rock’s shadow of success both in wrestling and in Hollywood, that claim is hard to call his own.

The Rock versus Roman Reigns has more than a victory on the line. These two would compete for the right to be known as the leader of one of professional wrestling’s most important family dynasties.

The Anoa’i family dynasty in pro wrestling

Cody Rhodes’ theme music starts with "there is more than one royal family in wrestling." That’s a correct statement, as the Anoa’i should be included among those ranks.

The Anoa’i family tree predates the WWE and features some names throughout all the top promotions in wrestling. Not only did these individuals take place in promotions that fans would recognize, but they were frequently booked as some of the toughest competitors, and champions along the way. Starting with Sika and Afa of the Wild Samoans back in 1973, up through Zilla Fatu who recently joined Reality of Wrestling, the Anoa’i family continues to be a part of some of the biggest moments throughout wrestling.

Just look at the list of names that adorn the annals of the Anoa’i family photo book. Afa, Sika, Yokozuna, Rousey, Tonga Kid, Umaga, Rikishi, The Usos, are names that WWE fans will recognize. Everyone reached championship status in one way or another. Then individuals like Jacob Fatu made waves in organizations like MLW as one of the most-feared big men on the independent circuit. Roman and The Rock would battle it out for the right to call themselves the best of that family line — one that embodies what it means to be a champion in the industry.

The Maivia Side of the Family Tree

When Dwayne Johnson was introduced to the WWE Universe, they got to know him as Rocky Maivia. That last name comes with its own weight in professional wrestling. Beginning with the "High Chief" Peter Maivia, this arm of the Anoa’i family dynasty led directly to the one known as The Rock. Peter Maivia is recognized as a "blood brother" to the Anoa’i family, which creates the link that runs down to The Rock and to his children as well.

Peter Maivia was known throughout multiple territories within the NWA, picking up championships along the way. His 22 years in the industry saw him capture 14 championships before his retirement in 1982 and death later that year. Maivia and his wife, Ofelia "Lia" Fuataga, raised two children, including Ata who married Rocky Johnson — Dwayne’s father.

Both Rocky and Peter are in the WWE Hall of Fame, recognized for their contributions to the industry. The Rock has yet to be inducted into the HOF, but that will change in time. Fans are now watching closely as the next member of the Maivia side, Simone Johnson aka Ava Raine, carves her own path as a member of the WWE NXT roster.