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WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, 72, underwent surgery after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, according to his wife.
Snuka, who has battled health issues for years, is apparently doing well, per his wife, and ready for the next battle ahead of him. Snuka was released from the hospital on July 31.
Here’s what you need to know about the legend’s latest health scare:
1. Snuka Underwent Surgery Last Month After Being Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer
According to his wife Carole, Snuka underwent surgery to remove part of his stomach and lymph nodes after he was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer. Carole told journalist Bill Apter this weekend:
The doctors said he did very well. They’re very happy with the outcome,” Carole Snuka said. “He still has a long road ahead of him, and the doctor says he’s an amazingly strong man. We all know how strong Jimmy is, and Jimmy can take a beating. … He also wants to let his fans know that he’s not done yet.
Snuker was released from the hospital on July 31 and doctors believe that they removed all of the cancer from his stomach.
2. Fans Helped Cover His Health Care Costs in 2011
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This is not Snuka’s first battle with health issues. In 2011 he underwent ankle surgery after it became nearly impossible for him to even walk.
Former ECW Diva Dawn Marie spearheaded a fan movement ahead of Snuka’s surgery, fundraising to help pay for the $24,000 it would cost him to replace his ankle joint. Dawn Marie, who also founded Wrestlers Rescue, explained that Snuka got caught in the “revolving door” of injuries that hinders so many former athletes:
They’re working on injuries on top of injuries, and they’re not taking the time to rest, because this is the only way they know how to make a living. We did the Veteran’s Day parade, and I was in tears for (Snuka) . Every step he took was agonizing. We literally stopped them in the middle of the street, we said, ‘Please, can we give Mr. Snuka a ride to the buses? He can’t take another step.
3. Snuka Was Inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996
Snuka was one of the biggest wrestling icons in the 1970’s and 1980’s and boasted two full-time stints in the WWE with a reputation for acrobatics and high-flying cage moments. His most famous highlight came in 1983 when he jumped from the top of a 15-foot cage to take down Don Muraco.
He was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996, leading the third class of honorees. Snuka was also an ECW Champion, ECW Television Champion and United States Champion.
4. His Daughter, Tamina, Competes in the WWE Divas Division
Although he’s never fully retired, Snuka’s legacy is alive and well in the WWE world in the form of his daughter, Tamina. She joined the WWE world in 2009 when she received the first-ever Lia Maivia Scholarship to train at the Wild Samoan Training Center. She debuted that March as part of a six-woman tag team match.
Snuka was drafted to the SmackDown brand in the 2011 supplemental draft and made her debut that May. After tearing her ACL in 2014, Snuka returned to the ring in May 2015 with a winning effort against Brie Bella.
5. Snuka Most Recently Wrestled in 2014
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Despite recent health issues, Snuka was back in the ring as recently as last year when he teamed up with fellow wrestler, The Patriot, at a Big Time Wrestling Event. The pair defeated the team of Brodie Williams and Mr. Ta.
Away from the ring, Snuka and his wife developed a reality show called The Superfly Challenge and the Hall of Famer is part-owner of the Bodyslam University in South Florida.
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Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka Stomach Cancer: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know