18 Biggest Wrestling Stories Of 2017
15. January - Jimmy Snuka Dies
After suffering years of health problems, Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka died in January at the age of 73. His death came just weeks after he'd been declared unfit to stand trial for the death of Nancy Argentino.
Snuka had been charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for Argentino's 1983 death, but the case was thrown out on 3 January on account of of the Fijian's deteriorating health. He passed away twelves days later.
The murder charges cast a shadow over Snuka's passing, with most media outlets focusing on the apparent injustice of the Argentino case, his wrestling career an irrelevant afterthought. Not so for WWE. The company shocked many commentators with their tone deaf tribute to the fallen 'Superfly'. As one of the key figures in the promotion's '80s expansion, failing to note Snuka's death would have been conspicuous, and few would have objected to a simple on-screen memorial. As it happened, WWE glorified Snuka with a gushing video package, completely eschewing any notions of good taste.
The company had few good options with how to memorialise Snuka, but this was easily the worst; it was almost as if they were attempting to tarnish-proof their legacy through such willful ignorance.