YellOutWWE's video: WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011: Jimmy Superfly Snuka

Few Superstars can be said to have single-handedly influenced the development of sports-entertainment, but Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka is one of them. Snuka's innovative high-flying style was the precursor to much of what our fans see each week on WWE television. Because of his aerial ability, Snuka was one of the most popular competitors in WWE history. In 1982, he made his WWE debut under the management of Capt. Lou Albano. Instantly rocketing to the top of contention, he challenged WWE Champion Bob Backlund in three consecutive main events at Madison Square Garden, culminating in a historic Steel Cage Match on June 28, 1982. That night, in one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history, Snuka leapt from the top of the 15-foot cage, only to miss his opponent and consequently lose the match. Later in the year, the course of Snuka's WWE career was altered when he discovered, thanks to the legendary Buddy Rogers (then working as a WWE announcer), that Albano was ripping him off. Snuka fired Albano and hired Rogers as his new representation, winning our fans over in the process. He was the target of a vicious attack by Albano and his new charge, Ray "The Crippler" Stevens, which led to one of the early '80s' most violent rivalries. The following year, Snuka pursued The Magnificent Muraco's Intercontinental Championship. Their war was highlighted by another MSG Steel Cage Match; this time, Snuka hit with his leap off the top of the cage, but it was unfortunately after he had already lost the match. Many current and former WWE Superstars point to this match as their inspiration to seek a career in the ring. Snuka became the target of perhaps the most hated Superstar in WWE at the time: fellow Hall of Famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. In perhaps the most infamous moment in WWE history, Piper smashed a coconut over Snuka's head during a segment of Piper's Pit in 1984. Their rivalry lasted well over a year, and Snuka was at ringside at the inaugural WrestleMania to second Hulk Hogan & Mr. T in their battle against Piper & Paul Orndorff. While he never held gold in WWE, Snuka was a key figure in the expansion of the company into what it has become today. His unique style, unprecedented aerial ability and quiet charisma made him one of the most popular Superstars in WWE history, and someone who changed the WWE landscape forever.