Elkin James, known to the wrestling world as “Sweet Daddy Siki,” was born on June 16, 1933, in Grimes, Texas, northwest of Houston. His parents were hardworking farm laborers, toiling over 60 hours a week. Despite his humble beginnings, Siki became one of the most influential and charismatic figures in professional wrestling, leaving a legacy that spanned decades.

For much of his life, Siki claimed he was born seven years later than his actual birth year. Growing up in Montgomery, Texas, and later Los Angeles, California, he was drawn to wrestling from an early age. After serving in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Division Infantry during the Korean War, where he rose to the rank of Corporal, Siki decided to pursue professional wrestling in earnest. Post-discharge, he trained at Sandor Szabo’s wrestling school in Los Angeles, learning the craft from Ray Ortega and working out with Louie Miller.

WRESTLING CAREER

Siki’s wrestling career began in Artesia, New Mexico, in 1955, where he made $13.50 in his debut match under the promotion of Tony Olivas. Adopting the name Reginald Siki—a homage to a black wrestling star from the 1930s—he worked tirelessly to build his reputation. Despite initial challenges with obtaining a wrestling license due to his small size, Siki transformed himself into a 230-pound, 5-foot-10 powerhouse.

By the late 1950s, Siki’s flamboyant and confident persona began to take shape. He gained traction in Los Angeles, capturing the NWA International TV Title on October 1, 1958. This title marked the first of many, solidifying his status as a rising star. In August 1959, Siki rebranded himself as “Sweet Daddy Siki,” embracing a more charismatic and over-the-top character that endeared him to fans across territories like NWA Hollywood, MWA Ohio, and Montreal, under promoter Eddie Quinn. He faced legendary opponents such as Lou Thesz, Johnny Valentine, and Buddy Rogers, becoming a popular babyface.

In 1960, Siki joined Capitol Sports (later WWF) and teamed with Bearcat Wright, challenging prominent tag teams like the Fabulous Kangaroos. By 1962, he moved to Montreal, turned heel, and became a national sensation, teaming with Bulldog Brower to win the International Tag Titles and battling iconic wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino.

AWA RUN

Siki returned to Texas in 1963, working for promotions such as San Antonio, Gulf Coast, and World Class. He later challenged Karl Gotch for the AWA World Heavyweight Title and spent the remainder of the 1960s alternating between Canadian and American territories. During this time, he developed a storied rivalry with Abdullah the Butcher and continued to build his reputation in Maple Leaf Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, and other Canadian promotions.

The 1970s saw Siki’s career reach new heights. He won the Stampede Heavyweight Title in September 1970 and feuded with legends like Tarzan Tyler, The Love Brothers, and Hans Schmidt. By 1971, he was a regular in Detroit’s Big Time Wrestling, engaging in a memorable feud with his former partner, Bobo Brazil. A brief stint in Hawaii in 1972 offered a well-earned vacation, after which Siki focused on Maple Leaf Wrestling, where he remained a mainstay for nearly a decade.

FACED LEGENDARY RANDY SAVAGE

In 1983, Siki revived his traveling career, touring Japan and later joining Memphis Wrestling in 1985, where he faced Randy Savage and Iron Mike Sharpe. Although his wrestling appearances became less frequent in the late 1980s and 1990s, Siki dedicated himself to training the next generation of wrestlers, including future world champions Edge (Adam Copeland) and Christian Cage.

Sweet Daddy Siki’s influence extended far beyond the ring. As a trailblazer for African American wrestlers, he paved the way alongside peers like Bobo Brazil, Bearcat Wright, and Dorey Dixon. While these pioneers made waves in the U.S., Siki’s impact resonated strongly in Canada, where he became a cultural icon.

Siki passed away on December 31, 2024, at Humber Hospital in Toronto, after battling dementia for several years. He was 91 years old. Known as “Mr. Irresistible,” Sweet Daddy Siki’s legacy as a wrestler, trainer, and entertainer will endure, remembered by fans and colleagues alike for his groundbreaking contributions to the world of professional wrestling.