5 Surprising Facts About Bronson Reed’s Samoan Heritage And His Connection (or Lack Thereof) To The Bloodline

The question of whether Bronson Reed is Samoan has become one of the most frequently searched topics in professional wrestling, especially as the WWE continues to feature the dominant Samoan faction, The Bloodline. As of December 15, 2025, the answer is a definitive yes: Bronson Reed is of Samoan descent, making him one of the most prominent Samoan wrestlers in the company, but his lineage holds a crucial distinction that separates him from the legendary Anoa'i family tree.

This deep dive will explore the full story behind the WWE star’s heritage, his unique "Samoan-Aussie" identity, his impressive career achievements, and the specific reasons why The Colossal is not related to Roman Reigns, The Usos, or Solo Sikoa, despite sharing a Polynesian background.

The Colossal: Bronson Reed Complete Biography and Profile

Bronson Reed, known for his incredible blend of size, agility, and power, has carved out a unique identity in the WWE. His journey from the Australian independent scene to the main roster is a story of global ambition and a heritage that spans two continents.

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• Ring Name: Bronson Reed, "Big" Bronson Reed, The Colossal
• Previous Ring Names: JONAH, Jonah Rock, J-Rock, Jermaine Haley
• Real Name: Jermaine Haley
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1988
• Age: 37 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Heritage/Ethnicity: Samoan Descent / Samoan-Australian
• Marital Status: Married (to Paige)
• Wrestling Debut: 2007 (Approximate)
• Trainers: Damian Slater & Hartley Jackson
• Major Achievements (WWE): NXT North American Champion, 2024 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner

The Truth About Bronson Reed's Samoan Heritage and Australian Roots

The confusion surrounding Bronson Reed’s background stems from his dual identity. While he is proudly Australian—born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia—his family lineage traces directly back to Samoa.

Sources indicate that Reed's parents are of Samoan-Australian identity, having been born in Samoa but then raised in Australia, where they also hold Australian citizenship. This makes Reed a second-generation Australian with a direct, undeniable link to the rich Polynesian heritage of Samoa. This blend of backgrounds has led to him being affectionately referred to by some as a "Samoan-Aussie."

The 'Afakasi' Distinction

In Samoan culture, a person of mixed heritage is sometimes referred to as 'afakasi. While the term can have various connotations depending on the context, it highlights the reality of Reed's background: he is part Samoan and part-other (in his case, Australian/European descent is implied through his upbringing and appearance).

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This mixed heritage is a key part of his unique identity in the wrestling world. It allows him to represent both the powerful, warrior spirit of Samoa and the tough, resilient nature of Australian professional wrestling, a scene where he spent the first decade of his career under the name Jonah Rock.

Why Bronson Reed Is Not Part of the Anoa'i Family Tree

This is the most critical piece of information for wrestling fans. Despite being of Samoan descent and a powerhouse wrestler in the WWE, Bronson Reed is not related to the legendary Anoa'i family.

The Anoa'i family tree includes some of the most famous names in wrestling history, such as Roman Reigns, The Rock, The Usos (Jey and Jimmy), Solo Sikoa, Umaga, Yokozuna, and Rikishi. The current Bloodline storyline has almost exclusively focused on members of this specific, interconnected wrestling dynasty.

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The Difference Between Samoan and Anoa’i

It is a common misconception that all Samoan wrestlers are related to the Anoa'i family. The truth is that "Samoan" is an ethnicity shared by millions, while the Anoa'i family is a specific lineage that has historically dominated professional wrestling.

Bronson Reed falls into a distinct category of successful Samoan wrestlers who are not part of the Anoa'i bloodline, a group that also includes names like the former Samoa Joe and former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Dakota Kai (who is of Samoan and Tongan descent).

Reed has acknowledged this difference, even engaging in public discussions about the distinctions between their respective Samoan tribes or family lines. This demonstrates a respect for the cultural background while maintaining his own separate, non-dynastic identity within the business.

The Bloodline Connection: Storyline Interest and Future Potential

Although he is not related by blood, Bronson Reed has been vocal about his desire to be involved in the biggest storyline in modern wrestling: The Bloodline. His Samoan heritage provides a natural, albeit non-familial, basis for a potential alliance or rivalry.

The idea of a non-Anoa'i Samoan wrestler joining the group has been a popular fan discussion topic for years, given the precedent set by Sami Zayn's brief, honorary inclusion. Reed's powerhouse style and imposing presence make him a compelling candidate for a storyline that could either see him join the faction as an 'outside enforcer' or challenge them as a fellow Samoan warrior.

A Career Defined by Power and Achievements

Reed’s career is impressive regardless of his family ties. His achievements highlight his status as a top-tier talent and an entity in his own right, separate from any wrestling dynasty:

• NXT North American Champion: Reed defeated Johnny Gargano in a Steel Cage match to capture this prestigious title, marking his first major championship in WWE.
• 2024 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Winning this major Raw-brand event solidified his position as a main-roster threat and a true heavyweight contender.
• Global Experience: Before WWE, he wrestled extensively across Australia and Japan (as JONAH and Jonah Rock), capturing multiple championships, including the WR Australian National Championship for a reign of over 690 days.

In conclusion, the answer to "Is Bronson Reed Samoan?" is a resounding yes, rooted in his family's heritage from the islands. However, the more complex and interesting truth is that he represents a different, non-Anoa'i branch of the Samoan wrestling tree, carving out his own colossal legacy as a Samoan-Australian powerhouse in the WWE.