Elkin James, better known to wrestling aficionados as Sweet Daddy Siki, passed away on New Year’s Eve 2024, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada’s most flamboyant and beloved wrestlers. Siki’s career spanned decades, predating the dominance of the WWE and encompassing a vibrant era of regional wrestling territories. His journey, which began in the humble cotton fields of Texas, took him across North America, culminating in a lasting impact on the Canadian wrestling scene. Siki’s colourful personality, signature bleached-blond hair, and undeniable charisma made him a fan favourite across the country.
Siki’s early life was marked by hardship, losing his mother and navigating a challenging upbringing. He found solace and purpose in Los Angeles, developing a passion for boxing and wrestling. Following his military service during the Korean War, Siki embarked on his professional wrestling career. His initial success on the Dumont network, a national broadcasting platform, laid the groundwork for his burgeoning fame. However, it was the adoption of his iconic bleached-blond hair, inspired by Buddy Rogers, that truly catapulted him to stardom. He became a headlining act, captivating audiences with his flamboyant persona and in-ring prowess.
A stint with the World Wrestling Federation in New York marked a turning point in Siki’s career. Although his time in the U.S. limelight waned, he found a new home and enduring success in Canada, relocating to Toronto with his wife. Siki became a mainstay in Canadian wrestling, working extensively in Toronto, Atlantic Canada, and the Prairies for promotions like Grand Prix and Stampede Wrestling. His contributions to Canadian wrestling earned him the respect of prominent figures like Stu Hart, the patriarch of the Hart wrestling dynasty. Natalya Neidhart, a WWE superstar and granddaughter of Stu Hart, fondly recalled Siki’s time with Stampede Wrestling, highlighting his ability to draw large crowds and his esteemed position within the organization.
Siki’s nomadic wrestling career reflected the seasonal nature of the industry at the time. He spent his summers in the Maritimes, capitalizing on the region’s active summer wrestling scene, and his winters in western Canada, working for promotions in Vancouver and Calgary. The “Toronto corridor,” stretching from Montreal to Detroit, also became a familiar stomping ground for Siki, solidifying his popularity throughout Eastern Canada. Though his U.S. career didn’t reach the same heights as his Canadian one after his departure from the WWF, he cemented his status as a Canadian wrestling icon.
Beyond his in-ring exploits, Siki played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of wrestling talent. In the late 1970s, he partnered with Johnny Powers to establish a wrestling school in Hamilton, Ontario. Later, Ron Hutchison joined the venture, and together they launched a newspaper essay contest to promote their school. This seemingly innocuous contest would have far-reaching consequences for the world of professional wrestling, as it led to the discovery of a young Adam Copeland from Orangeville, Ontario, who would go on to achieve international fame as WWE superstar Edge and later, in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as Cope. Another future WWE and AEW star, Christian Cage, also trained under Siki’s tutelage.
The wrestling world mourned the passing of this beloved figure, with tributes pouring in from organizations and individuals alike. AEW acknowledged Siki’s enduring legacy both inside the ring and as a trainer, recognizing his influence on the careers of Edge and Christian Cage. The WWE also expressed their condolences, remembering Siki for his contributions to the sport. Wrestling legends like Mark Henry and Michael Hayes added their voices to the chorus of tributes, emphasizing Siki’s significant impact on professional wrestling. Siki’s colourful career, from his humble beginnings to his enduring impact on Canadian wrestling, cemented his place as a true legend of the sport. His story serves as a reminder of a vibrant era in professional wrestling and the enduring power of charisma, dedication, and passion.
