Sad news from the pro wrestling world today as multiple sources are reporting that embattled WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka has lost his fight with stomach cancer and passed away at the age of 73.
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
Our condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka who died earlier today after losing his fight with stomach cancer. RIP🙏
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 15, 2017
One of the most popular and influential performers of his era, the high-flying Snuka debuted in 1968 and remained a reoccurring fixture on World Wrestling Federation and Entertainment television, competing as recently as WrestleMania XXV in 2009. Snuka even appeared on Raw as recently as 2010.
In the past few years, Snuka’s faced a number of controversial bouts outside of the ring, from suing WWE for brain injuries, battling stomach cancer, and being charged in the 1983 murder of then-girlfriend Nancy Argentino. Snuka was deemed unfit to stand trial, and the charges were dropped earlier this month.
In terms of his pro wrestling career, the Superfly will be missed. His influence on Superstars such as Mick Foley has been well documented, and his Superfly Splash from the top of a steel cage will remain one of the most iconic images in WWE and pro wrestling history.
Here are a few classic Superfly moments to remember him by, in better times.
