Professional wrestler Sweet Daddy Siki has sadly died aged 91.
The news was first broken by Greg Oliver of Slam Wrestling, who announced that Siki had passed away at Humber Hospital in Toronto on December 31st. Siki had been battling dementia for many years. Siki’s son Reg James sent the following statement to Slam Wrestling regarding his father’s passing:
“He lived a long life, did what he wanted to do, and made a successful career out of entertainment,”
Born Elkin James in 1933, Siki kept his back story and true age secret from most. Moving to Toronto in 1961, Siki became a big star in promotions such as Maple Leaf Pro and Stampede Wrestling in Canada along with the World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico, where Siki defeated Pedro Morales to capture the WWC North American Heavyweight Championship.
One of the first African-American heels, Siki was a pioneer in the industry but did not fully develop his heel persona until he mastered the art of being a babyface against his idol Buddy Rogers.
On top of his accomplishments inside the ring, Siki also helped to train former WWE and current AEW stars Adam “Edge” Copeland and Christian Cage.
Wrestling World Pays Tribute To Sweet Daddy Siki
The news of Siki’s passing was acknowledged by multiple promotions and stars from the wrestling world. WWE posted the following on their website:
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, where Siki captured the Tag Team Championships alongside Bulldog Brower, also paid 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!
WWE star Natalya posted multiple pictures of Siki on social media from his time in Stampede Wrestling with the following caption:
The first pic is of Sweet Daddy Siki as the North American heavyweight champion working for my grandfather in 1970. The other shots are from more work he did for my grandfather Stu’s promotion, Stampede Wrestling.
Sweet Daddy “broke in” around Toronto in 1961 & wrestled for my grandfather in 1964, 1966 & 1970. He worked as a heel & drew amazing crowds for Stampede Wrestling.
Siki broke huge barriers in the 60’s and 70’s. Stu respected him greatly. Rest peacefully, Sweet Daddy. Thank you for all you gave—
The first pic is of Sweet Daddy Siki as the North American heavyweight champion working for my grandfather in 1970. The other shots are from more work he did for my grandfather Stu’s promotion, Stampede Wrestling.
Sweet Daddy “broke in” around Toronto in 1961 & wrestled for my… pic.twitter.com/x0T61eMquV
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) January 2, 2025
Everyone at Inside The Ropes sends their condolences to the family and friends of Sweet Daddy Siki at this time.