WWE legend Jimmy Snuka passes away at 73
WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka has died, following his bout with stomach cancer.
Sad news to report on this Sunday, as WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka has passed away. The news was confirmed on Twitter by his daughter, current WWE star Tamina Snuka.
Snuka is known worldwide, for his contributions to wrestling. Perhaps best known for his infamous leap from the top of a steel cage at Madison Square Garden, where he splashed his way into history. He was also the first WrestleMania opponent of The Undertaker, who would go on to post the iconic 21-0 undefeated streak.
He was involved in a much-publicized feud during the 1980s, with fellow Hall of Fame inductee “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Many wrestling fans will recall an episode of “Piper’s Pit,” where the controversial Piper smashed a coconut over Snuka’s head. It sparked one of the biggest feuds in the history of the then-WWF. No titles were on the line, just the beauty of fans wanting to see Snuka get his revenge on Piper.
I LOVE YOU DAD #FOREVERMYDAD #RestWell #FamiliesAreForever #BestDad #SnukaLegacy https://t.co/Fo6n6gPkZH
— Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka) January 15, 2017
After he left WWE in the early 90s, he was inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame back in 1996. It cemented his legacy in the wrestling industry, joining some of the biggest names in history. Following the news of his passing, various people in wrestling sent their condolences out on social media.
When asked how he was doing, the late Jimmy Snuka would smile and often say, "Lovely, Bruddah." #RIPSuperfly
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 15, 2017
Our family @TaminaSnuka asked me to share the sad news that her dad Jimmy Snuka has just passed away. Alofa atu i le aiga atoa. #RIPSuperfly
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 15, 2017
So sorry to learn of the passing of the legendary Jimmy Snuka. His career had such a huge impact on my life. pic.twitter.com/I4JZP7XICJ
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) January 15, 2017
One of the biggest names Snuka had an influence on was Mick Foley, who was mentioned in the tweets above. He has documented many times throughout his career about skipping out on class to go to Madison Square Garden to see the cage match between Snuka and Don Muraco. Later in his career, Foley showed a home video of him leaping off a garage in tribute to Snuka.
In 2015, drama moved in as the legend was met with a murder charge stemming from a 1983 incident involving his then-girlfriend. However, the charges were dismissed earlier this month when the presiding judge determined he had dementia and terminal stomach cancer.
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Thoughts and prayers certainly go out to Tamina and the entire Snuka family during this time. He was intriguing to watch, he was charismatic and a true joy to see in the ring.