“Mr. Irresistible” Sweet Daddy Siki Passes Away at Age 91

Former NWA wrestler “Mr. Irresistible” Sweet Daddy Siki, real name Elkin James, passed away this past Tuesday at the age of 91.

Siki’s passing was first announced by Slam Wrestling, who stated that he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for many years prior to his passing.

Siki’s son Reg James gave an official statement to Slam Wrestling about his father’s passing.

“He lived a long life, did what he wanted to do, and made a successful career out of entertainment.”

Following his passing, both WWE and AEW were among those within the wrestling world who paid tribute to the life and legacy of Siki.

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.

WWE extends its condolences to Siki’s family, friends and fans.

PHOTO: @OfficialPWIhttps://t.co/qxf0oVheAp

— WWE (@WWE) January 1, 2025

AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of Sweet Daddy Siki.

After his in ring career came to a close, he became a trainer to many pro wrestling hopefuls including Adam Copeland and Christian Cage.

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/kqqPq4lMgW

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 1, 2025

Siki’s wrestling career spanned from 1955 to 1987 and was most known for his time in the Toronto wrestling scene and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling.

Siki was one of the first African-American heel wrestlers to achieve big success in the pro wrestling industry and during a time where he faced serious discrimination and racism due to his skin color. Siki would face even more obstacles in his career following his marriage to Anne, a Caucasian woman, being discovered by promoters in the United States who responded by reducing his bookings and pay for shows.

During his time in Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling from 1962 to 1980, Siki rose in stardom becoming a main card attraction and star for the company.

Besides his in-ring career, Siki also trained numerous wrestlers in Toronto’s Sully’s Gym with Adam Copeland and Christian Cage among his notable students.

Siki’s wrestling career achievements and accolades included being a one-time NWA International Tag Team Champion (Toronto version), one-time NWA Canadian Tag Team Champion (Vancouver version), one-time NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion (Calgary version), one-time Stampede North American Heavyweight Champion, and inductions into the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame (2016) and International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2023).