Jimmy Snuka Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer, Wife Carole Reveals

WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka underwent surgery to remove part of his stomach and lymph nodes after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, his wife, Carole, revealed in an interview with journalist Bill Apter on Sunday.

"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."

She also said doctors believe they removed all of the cancer from his stomach. He was released from the hospital July 31.

Snuka, 72, has been through numerous health issues in recent years. Wrestling fans helped him cover part of the $24,000 cost of an ankle surgery in 2011, a campaign started by former WWE Diva Dawn Marie. At the time of the surgery, Snuka was having trouble so much as walking—largely due to damage suffered during his decades in the ring.

One of the biggest wrestling icons of the 1970s and 1980s, he had two full-time stints in the WWE. Known for his high-flying acrobatics, Snuka's most famous moment in the ring was a leap from the top of a 15-foot cage during a 1983 match against Don Muraco.

Snuka was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996, helping spearhead the third overall class. He's continued working in the wrestling business in semi-retirement for almost his entire life, making occasional appearances on WWE television and the independent circuit. 

The Snuka name remains prevalent on WWE through his daughter, Tamina, who competes in the company's Divas division.

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