Is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Grandmother Lia Maivia Related to Roman Reigns? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Hall of Fame Inductee’s Bloodline Connection

The WWE Hall of Fame is open to inducting new pro wrestling stalwarts once again. The 2024 iteration has already seen the induction of Paul Heyman. Interestingly, another potential Bloodline member will be making her way to the Hall of Fame, Lia Maivia. The pro wrestling promoter is widely known for her work and is also the grandmother of Dwayne Johnson.

The pro wrestling industry as it stands today has been greatly nourished and irrigated by the Samoan pro wrestling family. While Lia Maivia’s family contributed to the industry from the wrestling ring, she decided to advance the business from outside it. Johnson had said that he recognizes Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief since he is family. But how is Maivia related to Reigns to acknowledge him as her Tribal Chief as well?

What does Dwayne Johnson have to say about Lia Maivia?

Born Ofelia Maivia, Lia Maivia slowly rose from the islands of Hawaii to become a big-shot pro wrestling promoter. She did have some roughness involved in some of her dealings, something which also drew police attention. Dwayne Johnson recently even posted about the same on his Instagram.

Dwayne Johnson wrote, “My sweet 😉 Samoan grandmother, Lia Maivia was also a trailblazer in pro wrestling. She was one of the first-ever female wrestling promoters and operated her business out of HAWAII with an iron first and some violence when she felt it was necessary. Her tough business practices caught up with her as she was indicted by the FBI on extortion charges. “bang bang”. True story.” This was followed by Lia Maivia getting deported to Samoa.

Dwayne Johnson further wrote that his grandmother became homeless in 1991. But, he successfully brought her back to the US in 1992 via a legal loophole.

He initially provided a modest home for Lia Maivia, later upgrading to a spacious condo as his wrestling career flourished. Fortunately, she lived a good life after that in Florida and passed away at 77.

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Dwayne Johnson further wrote, “My grandma passed away in 2008. I miss her a lot. Fa’afetai tele lava to the amazing @atuisila for bringing my grandma “back to life” on our show. YOUNG ROCK SEASON PREMIERE TONIGHT @8PM on NBC 🦚.” The Rock also posted a picture of his real grandma and a picture of actress Ana Tuisila from the sets of Young Rock. But, how did she get into this business and what pushed her forward?

When the name Lia Maivia started to rule the pro wrestling streets

Lia Maivia had learned the tricks of the trade from her husband, ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia. Lia really got into the pro wrestling business after the passing of her husband. While it wasn’t easy for her, since she was one of the first females in this line of work, it didn’t stop her from succeeding. 

Lia Maivia operated with Polynesian Pro Wrestling (PPW) which was a front started by Peter Maiva under his NWA banner. The years from 1982 to 1988 saw Lia thrive and build the foundation of pro wrestling as we know it today. She is also the reason why Dwayne Johnson chose to become a pro wrestler as well.

Like his father and grandfather, his grandmother is also a pillar who helped him start his journey. Today, Johnson has become a board member of TKO and has honored her legacy with this big upward move.

While many would believe that The Rock influenced this year’s HOF induction list, Lia’s work is undeniable. Her character has also grown in popularity via the Young Rock show and now she will join her husband and her son, Rocky Johnson, in the Hall of Fame. She must be proudly beaming by seeing Johnson and Reigns standing at the top of everyone in WWE right now.

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Considering the family tree, she isn’t directly branched to Roman Reigns. Her line extends to Dwayne Johnson, The Usos, and Ava. But, she is still part of the same great furnace that gave birth to the Samoan pro wrestling family. But, her grandson might soon usurp Reigns and seize his throne for himself.

Dwayne Johnson to climb on top with the iron fist of Lia Maivia

Dwayne Johnson currently stands in one of the most intriguing and shady positions. Despite captivating the entire WWE Universe, his true intentions remain a mystery. Some truly believe that he will crush all the Cody Crybabies and beat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Others think he plans to betray Roman Reigns.

Johnson has sent several signals over the weeks ever since he made a comeback after the Royal Rumble. From day one, he made it clear: the WWE Universal Championship was his goal. His ongoing antics confirm he’s staying on that path. So, will Lia Maivia recognize Reigns as the Tribal Chief?

Maybe she will never have to, and see her grandson take the title instead. What are your thoughts on this? Let them flow in the comments.