Not enough people remember Bearcat Wright, the first African-American world heavyweight champion. While Ron Simmons would later become a legendary figure in wrestling, Bearcat Wright’s achievement was groundbreaking. In August 1963, Wright made history when the World Wrestling Associates (WWA) promotion in Los Angeles awarded him the world heavyweight title. This momentous event occurred just five days before the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Wright’s pioneering achievement is sometimes overshadowed. For example, last year, Kofi Kingston was celebrated by some as the first African-American wrestler to win the WWE World Title. Amid the excitement of KofiMania, the contributions of other wrestlers like The Rock may have been overlooked. Despite The Rock’s prominent recognition for his Samoan heritage and the A’noai family lineage, the recent passing of his father, the great Rocky Johnson, highlights the importance of acknowledging the impact of African-American wrestlers. Johnson was a trailblazer in the 70s and 80s, breaking many barriers as a black superstar. The Rock himself was indeed a black champion in the WWF during the late 1990s and early 2000s, furthering his father’s legacy.
While such reflections might spark debates—such as whether the WWA title was as prestigious as the NWA title in the 60s, whether The Rock’s identity is more strongly associated with his Samoan heritage than his African-American heritage, or whether Kofi Kingston is the first true black WWE champion—there is no debate regarding Ron Simmons, aka Faarooq.
Ron Simmons, born Frederick Robert “Ron” Simmons on May 15, 1958, in Perry, Florida, is a seminal figure in professional wrestling history, particularly for his groundbreaking achievements as an African-American wrestler. His career spans several decades and showcases not only his athletic prowess but also his role in breaking racial barriers within the sport. Before entering professional wrestling, Simmons made a significant mark in college football. He played as a defensive tackle for Florida State University, where his performance earned him considerable recognition. In 1979, he finished 9th in the Heisman Trophy voting—an impressive feat for a defensive player. His college career was further distinguished by his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the retirement of his number 50 at Florida State.
Simmons briefly pursued a professional football career, playing in the NFL and the USFL. During his time with the Tampa Bay Bandits, he was a teammate of Lex Luger. However, a series of injuries and career shifts led him to professional wrestling—a transition that would ultimately define his legacy. Simmons entered professional wrestling in 1986 with Jim Crockett Promotions, which would later become World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He was initially pushed as a formidable rookie, quickly making a name for himself with victories over notable opponents such as Ivan Koloff and a young Yokozuna.
In 1989, Simmons turned heel and formed a tag team known as Doom with Butch Reed. The team, initially masked and known as Doom #1 and Doom #2, quickly gained popularity. Doom achieved significant success, including a notable victory over the Steiner Brothers at Halloween Havoc ’89. Their reign as Tag Team Champions, lasting through most of 1991, was a testament to their popularity and the impact of their character work.
In 1992, Cowboy Bill Watts was at the helm of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and sought new strategies to rejuvenate the promotion. Watts’ legacy is often viewed through the lens of his old-school wrestling style and his work with the UWF, but his national influence is multifaceted. Unlike many 1980s promoters who distanced themselves from insider wrestling media, Watts engaged with it and recognized the potential of black fans in the South, as evidenced by his successful push of the Junkyard Dog in his USWA promotion.
Watts’ tenure, however, was marred by controversy. An old interview surfaced in which Watts expressed pseudo-support for Southern racial segregation and used derogatory language. This interview, uncovered by future WCW commentator Mark Madden, did not sit well with liberal-minded figures like Ted Turner and his friend Hank Aaron, leading to Watts’ ouster from WCW.
Despite his controversial departure, Watts’ impact on WCW was significant. He made bold decisions, such as cutting contracts for wrestlers he considered overpaid, including former WWF stars Jake Roberts and Rick Rude. More notably, Watts made a historic decision by placing the world heavyweight title on a black wrestler for the first time in a major nationally televised promotion. In 1992, Ron Simmons defeated Vader to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Watts’ decision to crown Simmons was influenced by his previous success with the Junkyard Dog and his recognition of the demographic potential within WCW’s audience. Although Watts considered JYD for the top spot, by 1992 JYD’s personal issues led Watts to choose Simmons instead. Simmons’ five-month reign, unfortunately, did not meet expectations. Attendance and pay-per-view numbers declined, and WCW fans showed greater interest in Sting and Vader. The loss of Ric Flair to the WWF in 1991 and the lack of compelling challengers during Simmons’ reign contributed to the disappointing reception.
After losing the title back to Vader, Simmons’ career continued with diminished prominence. He turned heel and remained in the mid-card, eventually moving to ECW, where Paul Heyman utilized his name to add credibility to the promotion. Simmons then joined the WWF in 1996 under the name Farooq Assad, later adopting the persona of Farooq, the leader of the Nation of Domination—a faction inspired by the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party.
The Nation of Domination played a significant role in the late 90s wrestling scene, leading to pivotal storylines, including The Rock’s transformation from Rocky Maivia to the iconic Rock. After the Nation of Domination dissolved, Simmons found renewed success as part of the APA (Acolytes Protection Agency) alongside John Bradshaw Layfield. The APA was a dominant tag team that won the WWE Tag Team Championships three times. Simmons’ work with the APA, along with his memorable catchphrase “Damn!,” became iconic elements of his later career.
Ron Simmons’ impact on professional wrestling extends beyond his achievements in the ring. As the first African-American world heavyweight champion in a major promotion, he broke significant barriers and paved the way for future generations of wrestlers. His career is a testament to his talent, resilience, and the enduring impact of his contributions to the sport.
Simmons’ place in wrestling history as the first black world champion of a national promotion is indisputable. The WWE, despite its myriad issues, has rightly honored his contributions. While his career experienced many twists and turns, Simmons ultimately found a lasting role in the WWF/E, making a significant impact during the final years of his wrestling career.
Reflecting on these pioneering figures—Bearcat Wright, Rocky Johnson, Ron Simmons, and Kofi Kingston—provides a deeper understanding of the progress made in wrestling and the barriers that have been broken. Each wrestler’s journey contributes to a larger narrative of breaking new ground and paving the way for future generations. Their stories are a testament to the ongoing evolution of the sport and the enduring impact of their contributions.
