The wrestling world has thrown on its metaphorical sequined robes to mourn the passing of a true icon. Sweet Daddy Siki, a groundbreaking figure in Canadian wrestling and one of the sport’s earliest showmen, has strutted through the pearly gates at the age of 91. Known for his charisma, his flair, and a hairstyle that could put modern influencers to shame, Siki’s legacy as a wrestler and trainer is cemented in the annals of wrestling history.
The man who helped define the sport north of the border dazzled fans from Maple Leaf Wrestling to Calgary’s Stampede Wrestling, where he held the prestigious Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship. Beyond the ring, he also shaped the careers of modern wrestling royalty, including Edge and Christian Cage—two wrestlers whose success owes a debt to Siki’s wisdom.
The Wrestling World Reacts
Tributes to Sweet Daddy Siki have poured in like a Royal Rumble’s worth of wrestlers charging the ring. WWE and AEW both took to X (formerly known as Twitter, now possibly the most confusing app to explain to grandparents) to offer their condolences.
Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, an heir to the Canadian wrestling scene that Siki helped build, lauded him as “an integral part of Canadian wrestling history” and a showman who broke barriers with every hip toss.
WWE’s Adam Pearce called Siki a “pioneer” while subtly reminding everyone that he’s got “Raw” on lock every Monday. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer chimed in, presumably while juggling 35 other tributes and his annual match star ratings. Michael Hayes, always a fountain of color commentary, described Siki as “a character and a fun guy,” which is a Hall of Fame way of saying, “You had to be there.”
But the most heartfelt words came from Natalya, a member of the Hart dynasty that Sweet Daddy Siki worked with during his days in Stampede Wrestling. Sharing photos that oozed nostalgia, Natalya honored Siki’s trailblazing contributions, noting how much her grandfather, Stu Hart, respected him.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
Sweet Daddy Siki wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a cultural force who smashed through barriers, proving that wrestling could be both sport and spectacle. His influence stretched beyond Canada, and his fingerprints can still be seen in the swagger of today’s wrestlers.
As we say goodbye to Sweet Daddy Siki, we’re reminded that his legacy isn’t just in the titles he held or the wrestlers he trained but in the showmanship, the style, and the sheer audacity he brought to the squared circle.
RIP, Sweet Daddy. May your robes stay flashy, your entrance music play loud, and your legacy continue to inspire.