Sweet Daddy Siki had an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million before passing away at the age of 91 on December 31, 2024, due to complications related to dementia.
Some source suggests that as of 2024, his net worth was approximately $3.46 million.
Born on June 16, 1933, as Elkin James in Montgomery, Texas, he began his wrestling career in 1955 in Artesia, New Mexico.
The American-Candaian wrestler became renowned for his innovative in-ring techniques.
In addition to wrestling, Siki pursued a music career and worked as a trainer
Sweet Daddy Siki’s earnings during his career and later life are reflective of his diverse endeavors as a wrestler, entertainer, trainer, and DJ.
He moved to Toronto in 1961, using it as a base for his wrestling career and other pursuits, including hosting karaoke and leading a country band.
Regarding his wrestling career, he was a major attraction in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s.
He performed for promotions like Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling.
Known for signature moves like the “coco butt” and the “neckbreaker,” he earned up to $3,000 per bout at his peak.
While precise salary figures from this era are unavailable, wrestlers in the territories were often paid based on ticket sales and their drawing power.
His flamboyant style and showmanship likely made him one of the higher-paid performers in the promotions he worked for.
However, wrestling didn’t offer massive payouts in later decades. Things got quite rough when he started getting paid only $11.50 per fight.
He said he had to travel a whole day just to earn 15 to 20 dollars.
Those times were so difficult he rummaged through garbage cans behind restaurants for eatable foods.
So, Sweet Daddy Siki released country and rock albums in the 1970s. Later, he became a DJ, hosting local karaoke nights at The Duke bar at Queen and Leslie Streets in Toronto.
He worked as a DJ until the COVID-19 pandemic kicked in.
While not a major charting artist, this additional source of income likely supplemented his wrestling earnings.
His legacy was celebrated in music, including songs dedicated to him by artists like The Henrys and Pork Belly Futures.
Beyond his wrestling and singing career, he contributed to the industry by training future stars, including WWE Hall of Famers Edge (Adam Joseph Copeland) and Christian Cage.
Siki taught at Sully’s Toronto Youth Athletic Club and co-ran a wrestling school in the 1980s.
Sweet Daddy Siki was a trailblazer in professional wrestling with several notable achievements
Siki was one of the first Black wrestlers to achieve mainstream stardom. He broke racial barriers and paved the way for future generations.
His dazzling costumes, bleach-blond hair, and high-flying moves set him apart.
Siki held multiple regional championships and wrestling stars such as Lou Thesz and Buddy Rogers.
He also wrestled notable personalities, such as CHUM radio’s Terry Steele and CITY-TV’s Gene Taylor, in matches featuring his airplane spin finisher.
Over his career, he won six major titles, including the Austra-Asian championship, the North American championship three times, and the Texas championship.
Known for his showmanship and athleticism, Siki pioneered an entertainment-first approach to professional wrestling.
His wrestling legacy remains a cornerstone of the sport’s history, particularly in Canada, where he became one of the industry’s most celebrated stars.
In case you did not know
- Siki’s inspiration for wrestling was Antonino Rocca, popularly known as Argentina Rocca.
- He also made a special appearance on WWE SmackDown in 2011 for Edge Appreciation Night, cementing his place as a wrestling legend.
- His other ring names are Mr. Irresistible and Reggie Siki.
