WWE legend Jimmy Snuka dies at 73

KARACHI: Any wrestling buff would remember Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka diving off the top of the steel cage in a match against Don Muraco in 1983.

In fact, he made diving from the structures cool before it became mainstream. Credited for bringing the high-flying style to the WWE, Snuka passed away on January 15, after losing his fight against stomach cancer, The Sun reported.



Although the 73-year-old never won a WWE championship, he had a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades. He was also The Undertaker’s first opponent at Wrestlemania, which marked the beginning of Taker’s undefeated Wrestlemania streak. For his contributions to the pro wrestling business, he was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

In 2015, Snuka was arrested for murder, in relation to the May 1983 death of his girlfriend, Nancy Argentino. Afterwards, he was diagnosed with dementia and stomach cancer. As his health declined, he was deemed unfit to stand trial. All charges against him were dropped on January 3, 2017.



Two of his children Tamina Snuka and Jimmy Reiher Jr are also wrestlers.

Many personalities from the industry mourned his death. “RIP Superfly. Only love,” WWE legend Hulk Hogan tweeted. “So sorry to learn of the passing of the legendary Jimmy Snuka. His career had such a huge impact on my life,” the legendary Mick Foley said.



Former WWE commentator Jim Ross wrote, “When asked how he was doing, the late Jimmy Snuka would smile and often say, "Lovely, Bruddah." RIP Superfly.” Former ECW star Taz said he learned a lot from Snuka. “Sad to hear a LEGEND, Jimmy Snuka has passed. I was lucky enough to tag with Snuka in ECW. Learned tons from him.”

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.