Jimmy Snuka aka ‘Superfly’ was a wrestling legend with a career that spanned well over three decades but it was a six-year stint with the WWE that put Snuka on the map. One of the pioneers of high-flying wrestling, Snuka made a name for himself in Vince McMahon’s company despite never holding a championship with the WWE.
In the 80’s and 90’s Snuka was seen rubbing elbows with Hulk Hogan, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and of course his famous leap from the top of the steel cage onto Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden and an infamous ‘Superfly Splash’ off the top of the cage down to a subdued Don Muraco.
But Jimmy Snuka, like most wrestlers, left the WWE and traveled the world participating in some promotions but the WWE was always his home. He popped up on WCW, TNA, and even IWC but his most memorable semi-retirement moments were, of course, with the WWE. He was inducted into the WWF, now WWE, Hall of Fame back in 1996.
The WWE released a statement following his death.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka has passed away.
Snuka is regarded by many as the pioneer of high-flying offense because of his Superfly Splash from the top turnbuckle. His dive off the top of the steel cage onto Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden as hundreds of flash bulbs went off will forever live as one of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
WWE extends its condolences to Snuka’s family, friends and fans.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Mick Foley, Michael Hayes and Jim Ross were some of many to take to social media and send their condolences following Snuka’s death. Jimmy’s family also announced the news.
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
So sorry to learn of the passing of the legendary Jimmy Snuka. His career had such a huge impact on my life. pic.twitter.com/I4JZP7XICJ
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) January 15, 2017
So sorry to hear about the passing of Super Fly Jimmy Snuka, one of a kind and a pioneer, my condolences to family, friend and fans
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) January 15, 2017
Sad to hear a LEGEND, Jimmy Snuka has passed. I was lucky enough to tag w/Snuka in ECW. Learned tons from him. #trailblazer #RIPSuperfly
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) January 15, 2017
Rest in Love Jimmy ? #RIPSuperfly
— Nia Jax (@NiaJaxWWE) January 15, 2017
Thinking of my friend @TaminaSnuka today … sending love and prayers to an incredibly strong woman.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) January 15, 2017
Sad to hear about the passing of Jimmy Snuka. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Rest easy uce. Gods got you now. #RIPSuperfly
— Dustin Rhodes (@Goldust) January 15, 2017
MY HEART BROKE. JIMMY SUPERFLY SNUKA I MISS YOU FOREVER. RIP MY BROTHER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) January 15, 2017
Saddened to hear about my island brother Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Will cherish the times we had together from 1972-2017. Rest easy my friend. pic.twitter.com/PBMW53SEog
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 16, 2017
Certain individuals take our industry to new heights. He was one of them. Thinking of the Snuka family tonight. #RIPSuperfly pic.twitter.com/QXawuVLoaS
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 15, 2017
GOD BLESS JIMMY SNUKA. HE WILL FLY ALL THE WAY TO HEAVEN. WHAT A SWEET MAN. LOVE YOU BROTHER!!!!
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) January 15, 2017
My condolences to the family of Jimmy " Superfly" Snuka.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) January 15, 2017
Goodbye to Jimmy Superfly Snuka, always a dear friend, my thoughts go out to his wife and family. He was one of the …
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) January 16, 2017
RIP Jimmy Snuka #jimmysnuka
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) January 15, 2017
… the true greats, respected and loved by all that knew him. I'm sure Roddy will greet him at the gate.
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) January 16, 2017
RIP Snuka pic.twitter.com/41zRstsWP0
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) January 16, 2017
Snuka’s death does not come without some controversy, though. While he did die from complications due to stomach cancer, over the last two years, he’s been battling some demons.
As of late, Snuka has been in a bunch of legal trouble and also has faced a lot of health issues. In 2015, his wife announced that Snuka was battling stomach cancer. Later that year, he was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for Nancy Argentino’s death back in 1983. The trial recently came to an end following a decision made that Snuka was not fit to stand trial citing dementia due to wrestling and only had six months to live due to health complications.
Snuka also was a complainant in a class action lawsuit filed by former wrestlers filed against WWE which alleged that wrestlers incurred “long-term neurological injuries” and that the company “routinely failed to care” for them and “fraudulently misrepresented and concealed” the nature and extent of those injuries.
As legendary wrestling and combat sports writer and insider Dave Meltzer properly puts it, Snuka’s career and death is a very complex story.
Death of Jimmy Snuka really leaves a complex story.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) January 15, 2017
The man was loved by so many, blazed a trail for others to switch their style up and also not be afraid to look different from everyone else. But beyond the ring, Snuka’s life and the trouble that surrounded it casts a dark cloud over his accomplishments. Rest in peace to Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka and also rest in peace to Nancy Argentino. May both families have peace.
