Sweet Daddy Siki passes away aged 91; WWE shares statement

The WWE Universe and the rest of the wrestling world are mourning another loss on the first day of the new year. Sweet Daddy Siki has passed away after a legendary crossover career, which saw the pioneer train top names like Edge and Christian. Details on Siki's passing have been revealed, along with WWE's statement.

Sweet Daddy Siki was born Elkin James on June 16, 1933, in Montgomery, Texas. He began wrestling in 1955 in New Mexico, but since 1961 was based out of Toronto until his death on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the age of 91. The U.S. Army veteran passed at Humber Hospital from complications related to dementia, which he had battled for many years, according to Slam Wrestling.

Siki's son, Reg James, noted to Slam's Greg Oliver that his father lived a long life, did what he wanted to, and made a successful career out of entertaining. Siki was a top talent for Canadian promotions in the 1960s and 1970s, including Stampede Wrestling. He also trained wrestlers at Sully's Gym in Toronto, including Adam Copeland (aka Edge) and Christian Cage.

World Wrestling Entertainment paid tribute to the two-time WWC North American Heavyweight Champion.

"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 like Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling through the ’60s and ’70s. 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," reads the statement on WWE's website.

Mr. Irresistible appeared on WWE SmackDown from Toronto in 2011 for Edge Appreciation Night. He had at least one dozen championship reigns for the NWA, Big Time Wrestling, Maple Leaf Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, WWC, and others. Siki was inducted into the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 and the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023.

A CBC documentary on Siki's life and career was produced in 2017, featuring interviews with several stars, including Copeland, Virgil, Bruno Sammartino, and Bret Hart, who often spoke highly of the fan-favorite. Siki participated in what is believed to be the first mixed-race World Championship match against foe and real-life friend "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in 1959.

Siki was once labeled the original crossover star as he began releasing country and rock music albums in the 1970s, later performed as a DJ around Toronto, and was still hosting a local karaoke night up until the COVID-19 pandemic at an establishment called The Duke Tavern. Siki's family hopes to have a celebration of life for the veteran wrestler at The Duke, perhaps in June, closer to Siki's birthday.