Pro Wrestling Legend Sweet Daddy Siki Dies at 91

Sweet Daddy Siki, a giant of professional wrestling and a pioneer in Canadian promotions, has passed away at the age of 91.

A statement from WWE honoring him reads, "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."

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Sweet Daddy Siki, born Elkin James on June 16, 1933, in Grimes, Texas, became a prominent figure in the Canadian wrestling scene after moving to Toronto in 1961.

Crowd watching the wrestling between A Harman (National Featherweight Champion) on top of former champion D Hill. At the catch-as-catch-can wrestling tournament at the Caledonian Road Baths, London. Original Publication: Picture Post - 1572 -... Felix Man/Picture Post/Getty Images

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Siki was a top draw in promotions like Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling. Known for his powerful headbutt—famously dubbed the "coco butt"—and his signature neckbreaker, Siki was a fan favorite and a regular attraction at Maple Leaf Gardens, where he performed from 1962 until 1980.

Siki's influence extended beyond the ring, as he became a respected trainer, mentoring future wrestling stars out of Sully's Gym in Toronto. Notably, he coached WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland and former NWA and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Christian Cage, both of whom are now part of AEW.

In addition to his wrestling career, Siki was a talented singer and songwriter. He wrote and performed the theme song he used in the later years of his career and even ran a popular karaoke night at a Toronto bar until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sadly, Siki's health declined due to Alzheimer's disease, and he spent his final days in a Toronto hospital.

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In 2017, a documentary titled "Sweet Daddy Siki" was released that focused on his trailblazing career and struggles with racism within the industry, his interracial marriage, and his flamboyant in-ring persona.

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, where he spent much of his glory years, posted the following tribute: "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!"

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