Sweet Daddy Siki: A Legendary Canadian Pro Wrestler Passes Away at 91

The wrestling community is deeply saddened by the loss of Sweet Daddy Siki, a star of the Canadian pro wrestling scene and a trainer to legendary WWE Superstars. At the age of 91, Siki passed away on December 31, 2024, having fought against dementia for many years.

An Unforgettable Career

Born as Elkin James in Grimes, Texas, Siki made his professional wrestling debut in 1955 in New Mexico. He embarked on a highly successful career in the 1960s and 1970s, working for major promotions like Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in various territories.

Siki’s contributions to wrestling extended beyond his impressive ring credentials. He was a three-time American Tag Team Champion with the Midwest Wrestling Association and held several other NWA titles, including the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship in Hawaii from October 1971 to March 1972.

Legacy of Mentorship

Siki’s impact on wrestling transcended his time in the ring. He became a fixture in Toronto, Canada’s wrestling community, opening Sully’s Gym where he trained many future wrestlers. Notable among them were WWE Superstars Edge and Christian, who went on to become global icons in the sport.

Honoring a True Icon

WWE has released an official statement acknowledging Siki’s passing. The wrestling giant extends its condolences to Siki’s family, friends, and fans.

Sweet Daddy Siki passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Elkin James, known to wrestling fans as Sweet Daddy Siki, passed away on December 31, 2024, at age 91.

Siki wrestled worldwide for promotions such as Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling through the ’60s and ’70s and became a fixture in the Toronto community. He trained many future wrestlers out of Sully’s Gym in Toronto, Canada, including iconic WWE Superstars Edge and Christian.

WWE extends its condolences to Siki’s family, friends and fans.

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling also paid tribute to Siki, sharing their sentiments on social media:

MAPLE LEAF PRO sends its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of a true Maple Leaf Wrestling ICON, Sweet Daddy Siki, who passed away on December 31 at the age of 91. Siki arrived in Toronto in 1961 and over the next few decades became an integral part of Canadian wrestling history and one of our country’s greatest entertainers and a true ambassador for what Canadian wrestling was and could be!

Rest in Peace, Sweet Daddy!”

A Community Remembered

On behalf of Archynetys, our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Siki. His dedication to wrestling lives on in the hearts of his many proteges and in the memories of devoted wrestling fans around the world. Siki’s influence will be remembered long after his passing.

Rest in Peace, Sweet Daddy Siki

As the wrestling community mourns the loss of a true icon, we celebrate Sweet Daddy Siki’s life and legacy. His contributions to Canadian wrestling and his mentorship to future stars ensure he remains a beloved figure in the sport.

Let us honor Sweet Daddy Siki by continuing to support and engage with the wrestling community. His memory will be a testament to the enduring spirit of pro wrestling and its ability to inspire generations.

Rest in Peace, Sweet Daddy Siki. We will always remember you and your remarkable impact on the world of wrestling.

Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Sweet Daddy Siki. Share your thoughts, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media to stay informed and connected with the incredible world of wrestling.

MAPLE LEAF PRO sends its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of a true Maple Leaf Wrestling ICON, Sweet Daddy Siki, who passed away on December 31 at the age of 91. Siki arrived in Toronto in 1961 and over the next few decades became an integral part of Canadian… pic.twitter.com/b6SBPuu7pW

— MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling (@MapleLeafPW) January 1,2025

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Together, let’s honor the life and enduring spirit of Sweet Daddy Siki.