Yesterday the wrestling world was saddened by the tragic news WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka suddenly passed away with stomach cancer. Snuka was involved in a murder case of his ex-girlfriend Nancy Argentino. Snuka was acquittal this murder happened back in 1983. The judge decided to drop all the changes back in January due to the fact that she felt he was mentally unstable. However, let’s not focus on the negatives of the life of Jimmy Snuka and focus on the positives.
Character
In January 1982, Snuka entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as a heel which is a villain character with his manager Captain Lou Albano. In the 80’s it was very rare to see wrestlers that use high-flying moves from the top rope. The two wrestlers that come to my mind that was known for high-flying attacks were Macho Man Randy Savage and Jimmy Superfly Snuka.
Defying moments
Snuka lost several title shots at WWF Champion Bob Backlund, including a steel cage match at Madison Square Garden on June 28, 1982, in which Snuka jumped off the top of the cage, and onto Backlund who managed to escape the cage for the win just seconds prior. The contest was declared Match of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
On March 24, 1991, Snuka was defeated by The Undertaker at WrestleMania VII, which began The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Snuka’s final big match in the WWE took place at WrestleMania back in 2009. Snuka teamed with fellow legends such as Ricky Steamboat and Roddy Piper to face Jericho in a Legends of WrestleMania Handicap match with Flair in their corner. Snuka was the first eliminated by Jericho, who eventually won the match.
Championships/Accolades
To my surprise, Snuka never won at WWF title during his brief time with the company despite his popularity. However, he won several NWA singles and Tag Team titles. Not many wrestling fans will know this but Snuka was the first ever Eastern Championship Wrestling in 1992. He defeated Salvatore Bellomo to make history in addition to winning the Eastern Championship Wrestling. Snuka won several Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards such as the following.
Match of the Year (1982) vs. Bob Backlund in a cage match
Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1983)
Tag Team of the Year (1980) with Ray Stevens
Snuka’s defying achievement was when he received the honor as he made the WWE Hall of Fame back in 1996.
All the photos were courtesy of the WWE
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