Controversial Wrestler Jimmy Superfly Snuka Dead at 73

[RandySF]

Professional wrestler Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka died Sunday, only a few days after he was acquitted for the 1983 murder of his mistress. He was 73 and had been battling cancer.

Dwayne Johnson, the actor and former wrestler known as "The Rock," shared the news on behalf of Snuka's family on Twitter.

Once a legendary villain of the World Wrestling Federation who transformed into a hero character, Snuka used jeering audiences, acrobatic leaps and his famed "Superfly Splash" to rise to stardom during the wrestling craze of the 1980s.

Born James Reiher, Snuka grew up in Hawaii and became a professional wrestler in the 1970s. He made his first WWF appearance in 1982, when the organization was just hitting its stride as a ratings juggernaut.

"Snuka is regarded by many as the pioneer of high-flying offense because of his Superfly Splash from the top turnbuckle," WWE, formerly known as the WWF, said in a statment. "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."


http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/controversial-wrestler-jimmy-superfly-snuka-dead-73-n707151

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. I remember when Roddy Piper smashed a coconut in his face.

[RandySF]

2. I have mixed feelings about his career.

When he was on, he was ON. He was part of my first live show in 1983 when he jumped off Andre the Giant's shoulders onto the Wild Samoans. But I also remember the times he didn't show because of his reported drug problem.

[citood]

3. And there's that little murder accusation too

[aikoaiko]

4. simpler days

He was doing the Superfly Spash in his 40s.
[IMG][/IMG]

I know there is a lot of evidence he killed his girlfriend, but I always hoped it was an accident like he said.