On December 31, 2024, the wrestling world lost an influential icon and pioneer. Sweet Daddy Siki, born Elkin James, passed away at Humer Hospital in Toronto, Canada at age 92. News of his death was made public on January 1 by Greg Oliver of Slam Wrestling, after receiving an email from Siki’s son (Reg James) who told Oliver:
“He lived a long life, did what he wanted to do, and made a successful career out of entertainment,”
Reg James, Slamwrestling.net.
Scott D’Amore of Maple Leaf Pro wrote of Siki’s passing:
“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!”
All of us here at Last Word on Pro Wrestling extend our condolences to the family and friends of Sweet Daddy Siki at this difficult time.
Sweet Daddy Siki Breaking Barriers
Known as “Mr. Irresistible”, Sweet Daddy Reginald Siki was born in Grimes, Texas in 1933. Siki would go on to become one of the most influential black wrestlers of the time. Sweet Daddy Siki was one of the first black entertainers, let alone wrestlers, to appear on TV.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Siki appeared on various wrestling-related shows on the DuMont Networks, which competed with NBC and CBS. Siki became the first black wrestling megastar. He challenged ‘The Nature Boy’ Buddy Rogers for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship despite alleged threats from the KKK.
As a heel, Siki faced many white wrestlers across the states. This led to Siki breaking down the color barrier that existed in sports during the time period.
Known as the “The lady’s pet and the man’s regret,” Siki had a huge influence on the way subsequent wrestlers would cut promos, their character presentation, and their ring attire. Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart credited Siki for helping him find his style as a character. More about Siki’s career and other pioneers of black wrestling history can be read here.
Siki was a top draw in Canada. He competed for Stampede Wrestling (Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling) during the 1960s and 1970s. After retiring, Siki also became an influential trainer. Siki helped train both Adam Copeland and Christian Cage.
Copeland called Siki “The Jackie Robinson of the wrestling industry.” A documentary about Siki’s career (Sweet Daddy Siki) can be found on Amazon Prime in some regions. The documentary was one of Siki’s last public appearances.
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