41 Most Disgusting Promotional Tactics In Wrestling History RANKED
10. 2017 - WWE Promotes Jimmy Snuka As A Hero In Death
On May 10, 1983, Nancy Argentino died as a result of “undetermined craniocerebral injuries”. During the autopsy, it was discovered that she presented signs, multiple cuts and bruises, consistent with physical abuse.
Her boyfriend, Jimmy Snuka - who had been arrested in January for beating her - was the only suspect in the subsequent murder investigation. He was never brought to justice. Charges were not pressed. Bleak wrestling apocrypha suggests a tale of despicable corruption. Belatedly, Snuka was arrested and charged, in September 2015; by the time he edged closer to the court case, however, an ailing Snuka was deemed unfit to stand trial.
After Snuka died, aged 73, on January 15, 2017, WWE paid tribute to him with a gushing video package. Highlights of his career were interspersed with fawning tweets from Triple H and talking head testimonies from the young wrestlers who idolised him growing up.
When Crash Holly died, on November 6, 2003, WWE didn’t acknowledge it whatsoever.
It’s repulsive, that the age-old pro wrestling mantra - top stars are afforded far more privilege - is true even in death. Holly was a great midcard character for his time, a very fun performer, but WWE couldn’t select a true iconic highlight from his career in order to lionise itself as an epic moment factory, like Snuka jumping off the top of a cage in Madison Square Garden.
So they didn’t bother.
He was not alone in being ignored; this galling lack of respect extended to Chris Candido (Candito), Chris ‘Kanyon’ Klucsarits, and Andrew ‘Test’ Martin, amongst others.