Elkin James, known professionally as Sweet Daddy Siki, a prominent figure in Canadian wrestling, passed away on December 31, 2024, at the age of 91. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and died at Toronto’s Humber Hospital.
Siki was a top draw for Canadian promotions like Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling in the 1960s and 1970s. He also trained future stars, including Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, at Toronto’s Sully’s Gym.
“He lived a long life, did what he wanted to do, and made a successful career out of entertainment,” wrote Siki’s son, Reg James, in an email to Slam Wrestling’s Greg Oliver, who first reported the news.
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling also paid tribute, stating, “MAPLE LEAF PRO sends its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of a true Maple Leaf Wrestling ICON, Sweet Daddy Siki… 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!”
While often known as Reginald Siki, born in 1940, Oliver clarified his true origins: “For the record, he was born Elkin James, on June 16, 1933, in Grimes, Texas… to parents who were 60 hours-a-week farm laborers.”
Beyond wrestling, Siki was a singer who hosted a long-running karaoke night at Toronto’s Duke Tavern until the COVID-19 pandemic. He also wrote and performed his wrestling theme song, “I Am So Proud of What I See.”
In 2017, the CBC produced a documentary about Siki’s life, written by Oliver, featuring interviews with wrestling legends such as Bret Hart, Adam Copeland, and Bruno Sammartino.
Siki’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the wrestling community, remembering him as a pioneering entertainer and influential figure in Canadian wrestling history.
WWE also released a statement: “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.”
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
