Wrestling Icon Sweet Daddy Siki Dies at 91 in Toronto

The trailblazing wrestler and musician, known for breaking barriers and mentoring legends, passed away after a long battle with dementia.

Sweet Daddy Siki, born Elkin James in Texas, was a professional wrestling pioneer who became a household name in Canada from the 1960s to 1980s.
Siki was celebrated for his flamboyant persona, signature moves like the Airplane Spin, and his role in breaking racial barriers in professional wrestling.
He mentored future wrestling stars, including Rocky Johnson (father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson), Adam Copeland (Edge), and Christian Cage, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Outside the ring, Siki was a country musician with his band, The Irresistibles, and a local fixture in Toronto, hosting karaoke nights and driving a purple hearse.
Siki's contributions to wrestling were widely recognized after his death, with tributes from organizations like AEW and WWE, as well as wrestling stars past and present.