THE RISE & FALL....& RISE? OF SONNY SIAKI - THE ROCK JR

Today is time for us to look at Sonny but don’t look at his ass Siaki. A Samoan wrestler who was big in the early days of TNA but then he disappeared from wrestling entirely.
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[@HamanKarn567]

Ultimate respect for him for what he did for his brother.

[@flockawaka1017]

Nah that is pretty meta though

[@uainjansun]

Kinda similar to monty brown

[@kamarichristie4346]

Yeah

[@kamarichristie4346]

I agree

[@jimbo_1312]

Him and Monty Brown both deserve pops.

[@cinema_coyote]

Nothing but respect for Sonny. I worked with him in TNA, I was basically in an enhancement position, but he gave me a good bit of offense. I was nervous going in, I hadn't met him and only knew of his reputation. He put me at ease quickly, and as far as the match, told me "I already got a job, let's get you one." He didnt have to do that. Hope he's doing well.

[@d.52555]

What was your ring name

[@cinema_coyote]

@@d.52555 Billy McNeil. It was an episode of Xplosion in 2003

[@JavierNYC423]

@@cinema_coyote are you retired ?

[@tormmac]

its the things you do when nobody is looking that defines your character, great story

[@deadpoolnerd]

This channel seriously did make me a fan of Siaki. Dude is pretty solid in ring and has a great look. Damn shame management didn't treat him better. I seriously could have seen him as a weekly player on TV. And the man is extremely selfless, could've been selfish saying no I need my kidneys to continue my career. But no he did the brave and right thing saving his brothers life, with all the controversies in wrestling and how some people end it's at least nice Siaki got to go out high even if it wasn't in ring. Dude looks like he'd be great for TV also potentially.

[@Hellraiser988]

He had the look the in-ring skill and mic skill he actually had something

[@xbigwormx]

@@Hellraiser988 Problem was they should have let him make is own gimmick instead of making him a Rock ripoff.

[@Hellraiser988]

@@xbigwormx I definitely agree but I will agree as well that the way he could do things in the ring and promo wise he had very close similarities

[@JokerThaToker]

As somebody who has been having kidney/liver problems over the passed few weeks… nothing but respect for Sonny for what he did for his brother.

[@timelink3315]

Hope you get better soon man!

[@JokerThaToker]

Appreciate ya bro!

[@rvdjt8874]

Jesucristo es Dios

[@JokerThaToker]

It’s crazy guys I was very sick from Thanksgiving until the New Year and then things just got better. I’m like completely fine now. 👍👍

[@timelink3315]

@@JokerThaToker Oh wow, I'm so happy for you! I hope you will continue to have good health and be able to move forward with happier times ahead.

[@nathanh9871]

What Sonny needed in early TNA was a mid card championship to establish him as an upper mid carder. The X division did him dirty because all people wanted were the high flying matches.

[@TheSupinesmokey]

People didnt appreciate the mix of styles untill Kazarian, Sabin and Skipper got invovled in the division who were more hybrid style wrestlers that did springboard stuff

[@Noobie2k7]

@@TheSupinesmokey Also Samoa Joe who was a real breathv of fresh air for the division and imo is what really established the X-Division as being more than just TNA's version of the Cruiserweights with nothing but small guys.

[@kayskreed]

Jimmy Wang Yang in an Elvis outfit is something I could have never imagined and yet it made my day. :D

[@volodymyrbilyk555]

While Cowboy Jimmy is an all timer, Elvis Jimmy will always have a place in my heart. The gimmick just works

[@SuperMutant2099]

Him and Monty brown great miss opportunity of early tna but ended up doing great things for family. I always give respect to them for it. Fun fact. Sonny and his family were actually on family feud once after he gave up his kidney

[@SuperMutant2099]

@@nathanconnolly8648 I'm not sure it's on youtube but I have seen the episode out there on tv

[@heckles5866]

I’m really happy to see you cover Sunny Siaki. He’s definitely a huge highlight of these NWA TNA reviews, and its a goddamn shame he couldn’t have continued wrestling for longer, but i have nothing but respect for him helping his brother.

[@heckles5866]

@@kevinbasta3557 what?

[@kevinbasta3557]

@@heckles5866 ooff that was accidental my bad

[@heckles5866]

@@kevinbasta3557 ah, alright. It’s all good.

[@blindmegatron]

Props to him…despite the career lows..what he did after is far more important

[@VERDICTInsanity]

I can’t believe people blame him for Candido’s accident 😔 he probably blames himself too, and he really shouldn’t! I think what he did for his brother is heroic AF!!

[@CornBreadtm1]

Nobody with a brain does.

[@tonyjackson4078]

Some people get a shot to be a wrestler, some have a chance to save someone's life. Siaki did both. Props.

[@BainesMkII]

While not likely, there is the possible that there was a bit of miscommunication between Siaki and Russo. Russo admits to comparing Siaki to the Rock, Russo told Siaki to be more like the Rock, perhaps Siaki only assumed he was being told to blindly copy the Rock's shtick outright, then Russo simply assumes Siaki wanted to be a more direct Rock clone...

[@MrRjh63]

Yeah that is the feeling i get too. Be more like the Rock doesnt mean copy him fully it just means try to be really charismatic and funny.

[@Dr.Quarex]

Yeah, Russo and Siaki absolutely could both be telling the truth there. Vince Russo even mentioning "you remind me of the Rock" could have easily sounded like a suggestion as much as a comparison.

[@Noobie2k7]

@@Dr.Quarex Yeah, i agree. I feel like too often everyone just assumes the worst of Russo. Only thing i personally think he's way too guilty of is writing himself into on screen feuds with top talent too much and let's be honest, everyone did that in the late 90's and early 2000's. McMahon did it with his entire family way too much, Bischoff did it, Russo did it, Jeff Jarrett basically booked himself to be the most dominant champion ever, Hulk Hogan did it a lot etc. It's even turned out that a load of the really dumb matches Russo has been blamed for over the years weren't even anything to do with him. A certain booker and 'writer' called Dutch Mantell was guilty for most, especially in TNA. You might remember that guy better as Uncle Zebadiah or Zeb Coulter in the WWF/E. He's honestly the worst booker and creative writer the wrestling industry's ever seen.

[@smyersfishingadventures]

I think you are spot on, I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@tormmac]

@@Noobie2k7 everyone wants to kiss dutch's ass but it's true his TNA booking run was so dang bad

[@MsDawnKeyballs]

Holy shit! Never knew Marc Mero came back as Johnny B Badd in Tna. Not even a lie it was one of my favorite gimmicks when I was a kid! And Marc is one of the nicest most gracious people you'll ever talk to. And he will answer every one of your messages back you send him on social media. Absolutely amazing guy

[@afd19850]

Loved Siaki, definitely underrated! “A wild slapnuts” is the best segway ever!

[@Andrew_TS]

After Juvi as The Juice, I don't believe Russo. Really needed a nickname rather than repeating his whole name, though.

[@dennett316]

Yep, thought the same thing. Repeating a five syllable name just kills any chance of the promo being good.

[@chrisdoucette4810]

Yeah I agree. As a rule I never believe a damn thing Vince Russo ever says. He's a fucking oily turd as far as I'm concerned!

[@jonerikson5925]

I had no idea he did that for his brother, I donated a kidney to my nephew about 8 years ago when I got out of the army, so respect for doing that.

[@lloydm95]

I think its safe to say, this channel made all of us pop for sonny siaki. If this was around during early tna sonny would have a huge merch spike. Damn shame what happened. Gonna miss the man being relevant on the reviews one day.

[@freeparking301]

Russo lying? Not the man that made Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Attitude Era and booked the screw job. He would never lie!!!

[@Landofnothing]

I really think Sonny Siaki should legally change his middle name to "don't look at my ass". It just sounds wrong without it.

[@JR-wt5ct]

Ricky Starks is the modern day Rock Jr

[@EssexAggiegrad2011]

I totally believe Russo wanted him to be The Rock

[@larrytod9790]

What he did for his brother made me love the guy even more. Sucks he wasn't a big deal in TNA

[@ItDoesntMatterReally]

Always liked Siaki. Years later and I've still never seen anyone who wrestled quite the way he did.

[@nicktaylor2657]

Pro Wrestling is full of stories of wrestlers who never reached his potential About half of them worked for Vince Russo

[@Joecbg100]

Jay Lethal is another, one who deserves a video as Black Machismo

[@donguapisimo4222]

Norman Smiley NEEDS his own video. I loved his ridiculous matches and gimmicks.

[@exe2517]

Criminally underrated talent

[@ZinkersDartstube]

Thanks for covering the Story of Sonny Siaki! Awesome Video and Storytelling Marky.

[@RC99_Productions]

I wish he made a comeback or did more with his TNA run besides winning the X Division Title. He was one of TNA's first homegrown stars and his future looked to very bright. Nothing but respect for him.

[@jabbarmuhammad7529]

Sonny siaki was a good wrestler he should have more of a push in his career I think that was really noble what he did for his brother

[@skizzit]

I never watched TNA back then so had no clue who Siaki was until your vids and now I can say I am a big fan. Much respect for what he did.

[@conradojavier7547]

I didn't ANT was TNA Spelled Backwards(Rellik Reference).

[@trueSconox]

he definitely had potential, but no one did polish him, especialy in the promo department. I am totally sorry for him, and would love to hear from him.

[@tobznoobs]

i hope he watches youtube and finds this video. he doesn't need to do the interview, he just has to know he did well in the eyes of those who watched TNA and respect for what he did for his brother. even I can't donate to my mom and she's dead.

[@the_derb_wanderer170]

We all need friends like Sonny Siaki

[@rmcdudmk212]

Sunny deserved a better push. His mic skills were decent and his in ring work was excellent.

[@ericmonaco4509]

I liked his Scoop into a Cutter that was cool

[@brandonfreese3005]

Holy! A wild Hawk suddenly appeared at 4:59. I enjoyed the video bro. This documentary/biography style of video is a great addition to your arsenal and I hope you do some more of these in the future, like you did for Daphne and Don't Let Him Near a Mic Jimmy Rave for the unsung heros of the sport we know and love. It also saddens me greatly that Sonny never had the honor of stepping into the ring with The Emperor, Jeff Jarret.

[@clarencegutsy7309]

I remember thinking this guy was going to be a big star one day since he looked like a young Rock and was pretty decent in the ring.

[@nebfreely317]

Nice! Jus woke up. Thanks I needed sumthin to watch!

[@JustJulyo]

It finally happened! Christmas came early! Thank you Mr. Hawk!

[@jarretc110]

the styles comparison is probably the best illustration as to how sonny never went as high on the card as styles did. seems like most people agree that they weren't booked well early in tna. however, styles had a way of always working a gimmick even when he knew it sucked ass and seemingly tried to be viewed as a team player. where as siaki gives the opposite impression. also, styles was a generational talent. but it's pretty obvious that russo had no idea how to get wrestlers over with his booking and was a hell of a conman. he somehow kept getting hired and consistently produced dumb shit.

[@koolkydchris]

Ricky Starks is the closest you'll ever get to a modern day version of him

[@JoeyTx90]

Yup

[@WrestleShrine]

That's kinda sad and shows how much smaller wrestlers have become

[@animal1nstinct394]

How are they anything alike?

[@pleaseshutup7053]

Another gem video I really appreciate the work you are doing here

[@daxota_6750]

I'm so glad I found ring of the hawk 🙌 every video is just a good time with some punch lines. Here since 40k!

[@rackroll4405]

I have wanted this video since I started watching your TNA recalls.

[@starrysky7820]

Please make a career video on TRINITY if you get the chance markyd ! Most underrated women’s wrestler ever, in my opinion.

[@Joecbg100]

This is the first a time I can remember seeing Marky on camera talking, not what I expected

[@brianmiddleton3359]

I'm glad you cover tna as much as you do. This was around the time I left wrestling. This guy should been a world champ and would be a believable one

[@angelotero7729]

I think the best highlight of his career is the decision to save his brother's life that's more important than any wrestling highlight and achievement

[@EmperorMAR]

Thank you for the respect you showed him in this video while still being entertaining

[@frankhawley7067]

Thanks for the video Siaki was one of my favorites from early TNA

[@81rbutler]

Sonny Siaki just won me over. That is so awesome. Could have been selfish, but helped family. Right on dude!

[@gamerfourlife64]

And there he is the man Sonny don't look at my ass Siaki a very underrated talent

[@darkworldinc]

I remember watching TNA when it first started. Sonny was one of the early stand outs.

[@raypavey1102]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@ddabeast3274]

Love all your videos man

[@TheJohno95]

During my time a a wrestling fan, I've been to WCW house shows, WWE Raw, and...a Turnbuckle Show! The WCW shows were fun because they were house shows here in the south and chaos tended to reign. The parking lot was honestly more fun than the show. I remember Z-Man threatening to call the cops on us for being in the parking lot, Ricky Morton chasing us out of the parking lot, hearing Nash break Kayfabe in the locker room, since we were by the back door and heard him telling the next guys up to "make it look good, because they weren't buying me and Bagwell." Fun stuff in those days! And seeing Stone Cold get legit pissed in the ring at Ricky Steamboat and punching him pretty hard for botching an atomic drop that strained his groin. WWE Raw was one of those shows that was so long, that by the time you got the the main event, you were worn out and just wanted to go home. They would have a bunch of dark matches, film the B-Shows, and then get to Raw. You got your money's worth, but the dark matches were probably the most fun, since you get to see dudes on the come-up giving it their all. Finally, Turnbuckle used to make the rounds in my area. Their headquarters was around Marietta, Georgia and I live about an hour and a half north of there. And that show...Was a blast! Yeah, the main stars were Dusty Rhodes and Cody when he was a kid. And older guys like Glacier and the Patriot. Some younger folks like Scottie Riggs who was not long out of WCW. And a lot of up and comers. And that show just rocked that high school gym! The funny thing was there were not a lot of people there, but everyone got really into it. What wrestlers want to see....Fans cheering the faces and booing the heels and going nuts for high spots. They even ran out of t-shirts because they didn't think they would sell a lot of merch! Anyway, the point I'm taking all day to get to was Siaki was there and the guy could work! One of the stand-out matches that night. A lot of fast, high-flying action and a lot of ooooh's and wows for the high spots! And he actually went to the Huddle House restaurant and ate after the match! Just a normal guy doing awesome work! I was always a little sad that they didn't do a lot of house shows after that in my area and then the promotion stalled when Dusty started doing more work in the "big leagues." Great fun, though! Out of all the shows I've been to, that was the most fun I've ever had!

[@mydogsnameislucy768]

I would’ve never known Jimmy Wang Yang was in TNA without this video. Thank you.

[@MyLostSoul_81]

I so respect what he done for his bro and he was really misused like alot of others in early TNA ..

[@anonluxor470]

Next do a video of David young 🤣

[@EmmettXIV]

6:04 Lillian Garcia interviews The Rock and checks out his candy ass without permission (TNA version).

[@MinutesFromVegas]

After hearing what he did for his brother. ... I will not look at his ass outta respect the man has earned

[@xbigwormx]

A Wild Slapnuts sighting at 10:53.

[@ther3alest275]

Sonny Siyaki has that Ricky Starks vibe feels that way

[@phychmasher]

Aww, thanks for doing this.

[@BlameMaxSand]

So much missed potential, he deserved better. I hope he is happy and healthy now.

[@889654]

In hindsight, his finisher could have used a new name. Not only was it a mouthful and a play on a movie most of the TNA audience probably haven't seen (Apocalypse Now), it did not fit with his character at all.

[@thegameingfox]

He had so much potential

[@abigassteddybear7919]

Your love of Sunny is endearing and glad he gets a bit of spotlight in an era most forget.

[@steveomac385]

I always thought he'd end up being at least an IC level guy in the WWE. Surprised they never gave him a real chance.

[@Tonedogg24]

I can finally rest knowing the answer. Siaki is awesome tbh

[@FormerlyknownasCJTVStation8]

Sunny to me would have been one of the top guys of all time.

[@jugghead82]

Respect love this video

[@zanethind]

TNA version of Rock lol. Lol Goldie Locks and Sonny's backstage Rivalry. Glad he saved his brother that's honestly humble

[@ShadyFox420]

I've been hoping 🙏 for this

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

Sonny character screamed charisma. His wrestling was fine too.

[@Larz1695]

Finally! He did this video!

[@UndergroundSkat2000]

"Don't Look At My Ass" could have been TNA's greatest homegrown talent that isn't named AJ Styles

[@aakashkumar-ft8tg]

Already a hall of famer in my eyes. If this didn't happen there is no way he won't be in wwe. I hope you are doing well dude big BIG respect to you.

[@GEMINIRED300]

Above average Mike Sanders?! That took me back. I used to love when Randy Orton used his 3.0 backbreaker.

[@bluelightingwolf85]

Sonny Siaki the underrated Wrestler early days TNA/NWA he should have been a major star in the promotion it's just one of those wrestling stories of what could have been Sunny Siaki is it true hero saving his brother's life by donating his kidney

[@xavierwashington5408]

There’s another Sonny Siaki in AEW, Ricky Starks. Another kid who looks similar to The Rock and has the talk ability. Hopefully Ricky Starks gets become a top star of his own

[@mgunter]

Scotty 2 Hotty left so wwe needs a new trainer, and that would be a gadge if he could do another run.

[@fitness65]

I never knew anything about Sonny siaki until you covered old nwa tna and after a few episodes I started realizing that this guy had alot of potential to be something big in wrestling but that wasn't meant to be.

[@lbdjthethird1240]

Dude is cool by me. Good job putting this together, feels like you are genuinely a fan of his.

[@TheTenCentStory]

Those "more like The Rock" promos were just comically bad. You have to make fun of people in a comical way and have catchphrases that everyone wants to scream to have promos like The Rock.

[@tormmac]

the thing that rock doesnt get enough credit for is his ability to make fun of people without it coming off mean spirited, i dont think ive ever seen another human being pull it off like he does

[@MrMGR1986]

Dude the Jeff Jarrett Pokémon meme is hilarious.

[@peace1177]

Good video brother

[@dizzy1369]

Sweet, thanks markyd.

[@flockawaka1017]

Marc Mero and Sonny Siaki.. I've officially seen it all.

[@markwrenn5965]

Finally, the video we've all known you were capable of.

[@magenlin]

Damn that wild Slapnuts really came out of nowhere this time

[@Gebraldo420]

The Hawk loves looking at Siaki's ass so much he had to make a a 15+ min video about it 👍 awesome video MarkyD

[@kylegarfield1386]

Always reminded me of razor Ramon and the rock if they had a child 🤣

[@clockworkorangecassidy1114]

Great list of tag team partners...!

[@thejam1212]

Coming back to this video is even better after this meme has stayed on throughout your new videos 🤣

[@ricardonb6375]

Though it feels that the joke is already dead to me.

[@casizz5047]

I'll heard he works as a UPS driver nowadays imagine you ordered something from amazon and Sonny "don't look at my ass" Siaki delivers you the package

[@tormmac]

id be happy for him, those guys get alot of pay

[@sweetpetergeda]

I been waiting on this 1. I really thought he was going to be the future rock

[@vivalafonz]

FINALLY A VID ON SONNY SIAKI

[@apersononyoutube1994]

I'll never believe Vince freaking Russo over the Giving-Up-A-Kidney-To-Save-His-Brother fella.

[@kamarichristie4346]

Underrated!

[@mr.merritt7125]

A new drinking game : Everytime you hear “ sonny siaki “ take a shot