WWE Hall of Fame and Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson's father Rocky "Soul Man" Johnson is no more. He was 75.
Rocky died on Wednesday. The cause of his death is not known yet, reports variety.com.
Also Read:?Dwayne Johnson to star in comedy series
He made history as the first African American world tag team champion as a member of the Soul Patrol alongside Tony Atlas.
After retiring from the sport in 1991, the wrestling superstar began training his son Dwayne also known as The Rock, who eventually became one of the biggest figures in the sport - something Rocky describes in his autobiography "Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story" as one of his greatest achievements.
He was named by his son into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
Rocky, born and raised in Nova Scotia, began his career in the mid 1960s as part of the National Wrestling Alliance.
He...
Rocky died on Wednesday. The cause of his death is not known yet, reports variety.com.
Also Read:?Dwayne Johnson to star in comedy series
He made history as the first African American world tag team champion as a member of the Soul Patrol alongside Tony Atlas.
After retiring from the sport in 1991, the wrestling superstar began training his son Dwayne also known as The Rock, who eventually became one of the biggest figures in the sport - something Rocky describes in his autobiography "Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story" as one of his greatest achievements.
He was named by his son into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
Rocky, born and raised in Nova Scotia, began his career in the mid 1960s as part of the National Wrestling Alliance.
He...
- 1/16/2020
- GlamSham
WWE Hall of Famer and Dwayne Johnson’s father Rocky “Soul Man” Johnson died on Wednesday. He was 75.
His cause of death is not currently known.
“Soul Man” made history as the first African American world tag team champion as a member of the Soul Patrol alongside Tony Atlas. After retiring from the sport in 1991, the wrestling superstar later began training his son The Rock, who eventually became one of the biggest figures in the sport — something Johnson describes as one of his greatest achievements in his autobiography, “Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story.” He was inducted by his son into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
Johnson, born and raised in Nova Scotia, began his career in the mid 1960s as part of the National Wrestling Alliance. He quickly went on to become the first African American to win the Southern, Georgia and Florida heavyweight titles before starting his wrestling...
His cause of death is not currently known.
“Soul Man” made history as the first African American world tag team champion as a member of the Soul Patrol alongside Tony Atlas. After retiring from the sport in 1991, the wrestling superstar later began training his son The Rock, who eventually became one of the biggest figures in the sport — something Johnson describes as one of his greatest achievements in his autobiography, “Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story.” He was inducted by his son into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
Johnson, born and raised in Nova Scotia, began his career in the mid 1960s as part of the National Wrestling Alliance. He quickly went on to become the first African American to win the Southern, Georgia and Florida heavyweight titles before starting his wrestling...
- 1/16/2020
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
James Snuka, better known as wrestling legend Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, has died at age 73, according to his daughter Tamina Snuka (real name Sarona), who made the announcement through Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and then posted about it on her Instagram account.
Watch: WWE Wrestler Chyna Died From Mix of Alcohol and Drugs, Autopsy Confirms
Jimmy Snuka had been battling stomach cancer and was given six months to live in December. He was also supposedly suffering from dementia.
Snuka, a native of Fiji, was famous for his tremendous passion and high-flying style of wrestling. He became well-known across the world by wrestling in what was then the WWF from 1982-85. Snuka later returned to the company in 1989-92 before being inducted into what is now the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
Snuka was best known for his signature "Superfly Splash" finishing maneuver, which gained mainstream attention during his most famous match in Madison Square Garden. Snuka took on...
Watch: WWE Wrestler Chyna Died From Mix of Alcohol and Drugs, Autopsy Confirms
Jimmy Snuka had been battling stomach cancer and was given six months to live in December. He was also supposedly suffering from dementia.
Snuka, a native of Fiji, was famous for his tremendous passion and high-flying style of wrestling. He became well-known across the world by wrestling in what was then the WWF from 1982-85. Snuka later returned to the company in 1989-92 before being inducted into what is now the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
Snuka was best known for his signature "Superfly Splash" finishing maneuver, which gained mainstream attention during his most famous match in Madison Square Garden. Snuka took on...
- 1/15/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Legendary WWE wrestler and manager Harry Fujiwara, known in the squared circle as Mr. Fuji, passed away on Sunday. He was 82. Fujiwara was one of WWE’s great villains. During his 30-year career, he was a five-time World Tag Team Champion and later a manager to such well-known pro grapplers as George “The Animal” Steele, Demolition and “Magnificent” Don Muraco. Typically donning a tuxedo and bowler hat during his managerial days, he looked like another famous bad guy - Oddjob from the James Bond film Goldfinger. Paul Levesque (a.k.a. "Triple H") mourned Fujiwara on Twitter as he wrote, “An unforgettable character in front of the camera and an even better one behind it. Rest in Peace, Mr. Fuji.” Fujiwara retired from the WWE in 1996 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. In a remembrance of Fujiwara, the WWE posted their introductory video for his HoF induction on Twitter.
- 8/29/2016
- by David Eckstein
- Hitfix
Harry Fujiwara known to WWE fans as Mr. Fuji, died Sunday morning. The five-time WWE World Tag Team Champion was known for his black tuxedo and bowler hat and his trademark move of grabbing a handful of salt (hidden in a small bag in his tights) and throwing it in the eyes of his opponents to “blind” them. Upon retiring from the ring, Mr. Fuji became one of the most well-known heel managers in the industry. Among his superstar clients were George “The Animal” Steele, Kamala, Killer Khan, Demolition, The Powers of Pain, Yokozuna and most notably, “Magnificent” Don Muraco.
- 8/28/2016
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
WWE.com
To many wrestling fans, the annual Royal Rumble is the most enjoyable PPV of the year. Sure, WrestleMania may have the glitz and glamour, but the Rumble show usually has at least one or two great matches on the card, not to mention the over-the-top titular match itself.
The reason that fans love the Royal Rumble match is down to a whole variety of reasons; there’s the anticipation of possibly seeing a debuting face; there’s the hope of an old favourite of yesteryear appearing; there’s the chance that the match is used to make somebody into a main event player; and there’s even the slightest of hope (which is seemingly getting slighter with each passing year) that will be given an unpredictable finish.
Quite often, though, the real key to a Royal Rumble match is its anchor; a superstar who slugs it out and...
To many wrestling fans, the annual Royal Rumble is the most enjoyable PPV of the year. Sure, WrestleMania may have the glitz and glamour, but the Rumble show usually has at least one or two great matches on the card, not to mention the over-the-top titular match itself.
The reason that fans love the Royal Rumble match is down to a whole variety of reasons; there’s the anticipation of possibly seeing a debuting face; there’s the hope of an old favourite of yesteryear appearing; there’s the chance that the match is used to make somebody into a main event player; and there’s even the slightest of hope (which is seemingly getting slighter with each passing year) that will be given an unpredictable finish.
Quite often, though, the real key to a Royal Rumble match is its anchor; a superstar who slugs it out and...
- 1/23/2016
- by Andrew Pollard
- Obsessed with Film
wwe
Way back on October 17th, 1983, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka stood on the top of a steel cage in Madison Square Garden, flashed his “I love you” hand-gesture and delivered a Superfly Splash from the top of the cage to a prone Don Muraco. That night inspired dozens of future wrestlers and set the bar for high-flying stunts performed in a wrestling ring. Since then, that bar has been raised countless times by men and women seeking the thrill of competition and the rush of entertaining a crowd.
Over the years, wrestlers have put their bodies on the line in the service to the sport. Fans have been wowed as they jump from turnbuckles, ladders and even the titantron to perform some of the flashiest, most athletic manoeuvres you’ve ever seen in any sport. These moves often cause as much, if not more damage to the instigator as they do the opponent.
Way back on October 17th, 1983, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka stood on the top of a steel cage in Madison Square Garden, flashed his “I love you” hand-gesture and delivered a Superfly Splash from the top of the cage to a prone Don Muraco. That night inspired dozens of future wrestlers and set the bar for high-flying stunts performed in a wrestling ring. Since then, that bar has been raised countless times by men and women seeking the thrill of competition and the rush of entertaining a crowd.
Over the years, wrestlers have put their bodies on the line in the service to the sport. Fans have been wowed as they jump from turnbuckles, ladders and even the titantron to perform some of the flashiest, most athletic manoeuvres you’ve ever seen in any sport. These moves often cause as much, if not more damage to the instigator as they do the opponent.
- 11/5/2014
- by Kieran Shiach
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
There was a time when steel cages were used as prisons in which the hottest and most intense rivalries in all of professional wrestling would go to be resolved. Don Muraco vs. Jimmy Snuka, Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff and Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart are just some of the bouts held in the confines of the steel structure that settled major rivalries and intensified others. They minimized outside interference and served as the battleground for some of industry’s giants. In recent years, however, Vince McMahon’s WWE has attempted to diminish the importance of the cage match, especially with Hell in a Cell and Elimination Chamber playing such a major role in their annual pay-per-view schedule.
Since the dawn of the new Millennium some 14 years ago, several top Superstars have done all they can to ensure that the cage match does not become extinct. Industry giants such as Edge,...
There was a time when steel cages were used as prisons in which the hottest and most intense rivalries in all of professional wrestling would go to be resolved. Don Muraco vs. Jimmy Snuka, Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff and Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart are just some of the bouts held in the confines of the steel structure that settled major rivalries and intensified others. They minimized outside interference and served as the battleground for some of industry’s giants. In recent years, however, Vince McMahon’s WWE has attempted to diminish the importance of the cage match, especially with Hell in a Cell and Elimination Chamber playing such a major role in their annual pay-per-view schedule.
Since the dawn of the new Millennium some 14 years ago, several top Superstars have done all they can to ensure that the cage match does not become extinct. Industry giants such as Edge,...
- 9/16/2014
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy not all that far away, the Intercontinental Championship meant something. Like really meant something. Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect, Shawn Michaels, Ricky Steamboat, Randy Savage, Tito Santana, Don Muraco and Pat Patterson waged wars over the title, sacrificing themselves for the allure of the gold. They bled, sweated and cried for the right to hoist the belt overhead, to have their names etched in the history books. It was a great honor to be selected to hold the belt because it meant that you were considered to be one of the best workers in the industry. For some, the strap was a stepping stone to bigger and better things further up the card. For others, it was the culmination of years of hard work and a sign of respect from management.
Over time, the title has been greatly devalued. It has become a prop,...
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy not all that far away, the Intercontinental Championship meant something. Like really meant something. Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect, Shawn Michaels, Ricky Steamboat, Randy Savage, Tito Santana, Don Muraco and Pat Patterson waged wars over the title, sacrificing themselves for the allure of the gold. They bled, sweated and cried for the right to hoist the belt overhead, to have their names etched in the history books. It was a great honor to be selected to hold the belt because it meant that you were considered to be one of the best workers in the industry. For some, the strap was a stepping stone to bigger and better things further up the card. For others, it was the culmination of years of hard work and a sign of respect from management.
Over time, the title has been greatly devalued. It has become a prop,...
- 8/9/2014
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Like many sports around the world, professional wrestling is an industry where performers from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds compete as (perceived) equals, vying against each other in a series of contests to capture championships, win matches and gain in-ring glory. While wrestling is escapism from the real world and should never be confused for anything else, often a bit of the real world creeps in. Race and racism often find their way into storylines, sometimes in an innocuous way, sometimes drawing fans’ focus away from what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “the content of their character.”
Go back 20-plus years and it’s easy to find examples of racism littered throughout WWE, whether it’s Jesse Ventura calling Tito Santana “Chico” and his forearm the “flying burrito,” or Mr. Fuji and Don Muraco using terms like “yard ape,” “Puerto Rican hubcap thief” or honky.
Like many sports around the world, professional wrestling is an industry where performers from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds compete as (perceived) equals, vying against each other in a series of contests to capture championships, win matches and gain in-ring glory. While wrestling is escapism from the real world and should never be confused for anything else, often a bit of the real world creeps in. Race and racism often find their way into storylines, sometimes in an innocuous way, sometimes drawing fans’ focus away from what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “the content of their character.”
Go back 20-plus years and it’s easy to find examples of racism littered throughout WWE, whether it’s Jesse Ventura calling Tito Santana “Chico” and his forearm the “flying burrito,” or Mr. Fuji and Don Muraco using terms like “yard ape,” “Puerto Rican hubcap thief” or honky.
- 6/8/2014
- by Scott Carlson
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka could fly like no one else.
His Superfly Splash from the top rope onto his opponents was a thing of brutal beauty and he delivered it to the likes of Ray “The Crippler” Stevens, Paul Orndorff, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, and many more throughout the 1970s and ’80s.
“Snuka’s leap off the top of the cage was as groundbreaking as any single maneuver ever in our business,” esteemed announcer Jim Ross said on the WWE produced DVD, The Greatest Wrestling Stars of the ’80s. “It showed athletes that if you’re talented enough and proficient in your skills, and you’ve got the guts, there’s really no limits.”
Hailing from the Fiji Islands, Snuka was a standout in a long line of Samoan greats. Trained in Hawaii by “Cowboy” Franky Laine, Snuka debuted in 1971 in Portland, Oregon, battling everyone from “Playboy” Buddy Rose to...
“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka could fly like no one else.
His Superfly Splash from the top rope onto his opponents was a thing of brutal beauty and he delivered it to the likes of Ray “The Crippler” Stevens, Paul Orndorff, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, and many more throughout the 1970s and ’80s.
“Snuka’s leap off the top of the cage was as groundbreaking as any single maneuver ever in our business,” esteemed announcer Jim Ross said on the WWE produced DVD, The Greatest Wrestling Stars of the ’80s. “It showed athletes that if you’re talented enough and proficient in your skills, and you’ve got the guts, there’s really no limits.”
Hailing from the Fiji Islands, Snuka was a standout in a long line of Samoan greats. Trained in Hawaii by “Cowboy” Franky Laine, Snuka debuted in 1971 in Portland, Oregon, battling everyone from “Playboy” Buddy Rose to...
- 5/18/2014
- by Marshall Ward
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
A lot of people have been talking about Benjamin Morris’ 538 piece, “Are Pro Wrestlers Dying at an Unusual Rate?”
Like Morris, I am neither an actuarial scientist nor a demographer. So, our interpretations of the data should be taken with a grain of salt. My results were somewhat different from Morris’ due to a difference data set and changes in how we calculated actuarial predictions.
Differences in methodology from Morris
I also used Social Security Actuarial Life Tables, but my “expected mortality rates” for the age groups were not the same as Morris’. For each wrestler, I calculated what their age would have been as of today. Then, based on gender, I looked up the number of lives (out of 100,000) that were expected to still be alive and converted that to a percentage. His analysis looked at wrestlers who were on 20+ WWF PPVs through 2002. I went with a...
A lot of people have been talking about Benjamin Morris’ 538 piece, “Are Pro Wrestlers Dying at an Unusual Rate?”
Like Morris, I am neither an actuarial scientist nor a demographer. So, our interpretations of the data should be taken with a grain of salt. My results were somewhat different from Morris’ due to a difference data set and changes in how we calculated actuarial predictions.
Differences in methodology from Morris
I also used Social Security Actuarial Life Tables, but my “expected mortality rates” for the age groups were not the same as Morris’. For each wrestler, I calculated what their age would have been as of today. Then, based on gender, I looked up the number of lives (out of 100,000) that were expected to still be alive and converted that to a percentage. His analysis looked at wrestlers who were on 20+ WWF PPVs through 2002. I went with a...
- 4/22/2014
- by Chris Harrington
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
From 1993 to 2002, The WWF/E King of the Ring was the next big pay-per-view show after WrestleMania, bridging the gap between The Showcase of the Immortals and SummerSlam. But The King of the Ring actually began in 1985 as a specialized tournament for WWF house show audiences. During it’s initial years, the crown was even defended in sanctioned WWF matches, changing hands/heads in one-on-one matches. Beginning in 1993 it became a stand-alone event, crowning a new king once a year on pay-per-view, until it ceased to be after the 2002 tournament. Since then, the tournament has come back infrequently, playing itself out on Raw and Smackdown in 2006, 2008, and lastly in 2010.
From the inception of the crown, 20 superstars- ten World Champions, nine Hall of Famers, and an unfortunate handful of duds in-between- have worn the crown. Some embraced the “king” title, incorporating it into their gimmick. Some won the tournament,...
From 1993 to 2002, The WWF/E King of the Ring was the next big pay-per-view show after WrestleMania, bridging the gap between The Showcase of the Immortals and SummerSlam. But The King of the Ring actually began in 1985 as a specialized tournament for WWF house show audiences. During it’s initial years, the crown was even defended in sanctioned WWF matches, changing hands/heads in one-on-one matches. Beginning in 1993 it became a stand-alone event, crowning a new king once a year on pay-per-view, until it ceased to be after the 2002 tournament. Since then, the tournament has come back infrequently, playing itself out on Raw and Smackdown in 2006, 2008, and lastly in 2010.
From the inception of the crown, 20 superstars- ten World Champions, nine Hall of Famers, and an unfortunate handful of duds in-between- have worn the crown. Some embraced the “king” title, incorporating it into their gimmick. Some won the tournament,...
- 4/8/2014
- by The 'House
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
WWE might well be based in Stamford, Connecticut, but every fan knows their real home is Madison Square Garden in NYC, the world’s most famous arena. It’s so important to them that during the 2001 Invasion angle, WWE performers manned the barricades against the WCW forces, because The Garden was “their” turf. The New York Knicks might have something to say about that, but basketball is just a load of skinny giants playing catch and taking it in turns to score, so if they have a problem, they can play a less dumb sport (yeah, alright, people in glass houses and all that….)
This Friday’s showing of Smackdown was filmed on the WWE’s spiritual stomping ground. Which makes it an appropriate time as any to take a look back at ten of the most iconic moments to take place in the hallowed grounds of The Garden.
WWE might well be based in Stamford, Connecticut, but every fan knows their real home is Madison Square Garden in NYC, the world’s most famous arena. It’s so important to them that during the 2001 Invasion angle, WWE performers manned the barricades against the WCW forces, because The Garden was “their” turf. The New York Knicks might have something to say about that, but basketball is just a load of skinny giants playing catch and taking it in turns to score, so if they have a problem, they can play a less dumb sport (yeah, alright, people in glass houses and all that….)
This Friday’s showing of Smackdown was filmed on the WWE’s spiritual stomping ground. Which makes it an appropriate time as any to take a look back at ten of the most iconic moments to take place in the hallowed grounds of The Garden.
- 3/7/2014
- by Marzi
- Obsessed with Film
More than 30 years have passed since the suspicious death of WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka’s girlfriend, Nancy L. Argentino, but the mystery remains.
Yesterday it was announced that the case will be reopened and reviewed by a Grand Jury to see whether the man known to millions as the ‘Superfly’ was really to blame.
No one can argue that ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka is one of the most revered and recognisable Superstars in the history of the WWE and it was his famous splash from the top of a steel cage onto the lifeless body of ‘Magnificent’ Don Muraco inside Madison Square Garden that catapulted him into the history books and inspired a generation of future top stars including former WWE Champion Mick Foley. But despite being incredibly popular for much of his run – in particular 1982-1994 – Snuka never held a singles title in what was then the World Wrestling Federation.
Yesterday it was announced that the case will be reopened and reviewed by a Grand Jury to see whether the man known to millions as the ‘Superfly’ was really to blame.
No one can argue that ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka is one of the most revered and recognisable Superstars in the history of the WWE and it was his famous splash from the top of a steel cage onto the lifeless body of ‘Magnificent’ Don Muraco inside Madison Square Garden that catapulted him into the history books and inspired a generation of future top stars including former WWE Champion Mick Foley. But despite being incredibly popular for much of his run – in particular 1982-1994 – Snuka never held a singles title in what was then the World Wrestling Federation.
- 1/29/2014
- by Matt Aspin
- Obsessed with Film
Moves off the top rope have everything a wrestling fan could want. The anxiety as the wrestler makes their way up top, the athleticism as the move is executed, and the drama of what happens after they hit it or not, all delivered in a few tense moments.
Here’s a list, by no means completely encompassing and in no particular order, of some memorable top rope maneuvers and the people behind the moves.
11. The Superfly – Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
Prior to the 1980′s wrestlers very rarely ventured any higher than their own vertical leap. That changed when a chiseled high flyer from the Fiji Islands performed the Superfly – a body splash from the top rope. The move combined a simple elegance with devastating impact.
Snuka’s splash on Don Muraco from Madison Square Garden in 1983, From The Top Of A Steel Cage, is an iconic moment in professional wrestling history...
Here’s a list, by no means completely encompassing and in no particular order, of some memorable top rope maneuvers and the people behind the moves.
11. The Superfly – Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
Prior to the 1980′s wrestlers very rarely ventured any higher than their own vertical leap. That changed when a chiseled high flyer from the Fiji Islands performed the Superfly – a body splash from the top rope. The move combined a simple elegance with devastating impact.
Snuka’s splash on Don Muraco from Madison Square Garden in 1983, From The Top Of A Steel Cage, is an iconic moment in professional wrestling history...
- 3/7/2013
- by Roger Luna
- Obsessed with Film
Sometimes wrestling matches just can’t make it from bell to bell on the wrestling itself. Sometimes matches need spots – those planned big moments that bring the crowd to life and can make all the difference between an average match and an all time classic. Can you imagine how dull a Big Show and Mark Henry match could be if they played by the rules? Throw in a top rope superplex with an exploding ring and there you have it an Omg moment that fans will always remember.
Many of these “Holy sh*t” moments occur outside of a WWE ring but many fans don’t get to see them. Well What Culture has scoured the internet to bring to you what we believe are 10 of the biggest and best high spots of all time. So hold onto your hats as we walk you through some truly breath taking momets.
Many of these “Holy sh*t” moments occur outside of a WWE ring but many fans don’t get to see them. Well What Culture has scoured the internet to bring to you what we believe are 10 of the biggest and best high spots of all time. So hold onto your hats as we walk you through some truly breath taking momets.
- 2/4/2013
- by Matt Aspin
- Obsessed with Film
It's a sad day in the entertainment world as one of it's most colourful characters has passed away. 'Captain' Lou Albano was 76. While some know him from his starring role opposite John Ritter in the 1992 hit film Stay Tuned and his many appearances as Mario in the Super Mario Brothers Super Show, others may know him from his portrayal of Cyndi Lauper's Dad in the videos for 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun', 'She Bop' and 'The Goonies R Good Enough'. I, for one, will always remember him as one of the greatest wrestling personalities of all time. Over his 42-year career "Captain" Lou managed 34 men to championship gold which is an accomplishment that not even Jimmy 'Mouth of the South' Hart or Bobby "The Brain" Heenan can match. With his trademark rubber bands attached to his face he managed the likes of the U.S Express,...
- 10/15/2009
- by Greg
- FilmJunk
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