10 Best African American Wrestlers In Wrestling History

3. Ron Simmons

Football star, Ron Simmons would help enhance and elevate the statue of black pro wrestlers during his career, most notable when he became the first African American heavyweight champion after he defeated Vader in 1992. His athletic ability is what helped him to the historic victory, as his skill represented much of what WCW was trying to promote at the time, but being the first black champion transcended just a storyline. In many ways, Simmons shattered the perceived glass ceiling and put the foundation in place for black stars that followed him. While his WCW title run was relatively short, the significance of the accomplishment can't be overlooked, as it proved black performers could be main event star. Simmons would assume the persona of Faarooq and eventually form the Nation Of Domination, which was one of the more edgier stables during it's time. Simmons deserves a lot of credit for his portrayal of the militant type character because he made it believable. He was a versital performer, as he and long time friend, Bradshaw formed the APA tag team in 1999. The duo were bar room brawlers and the vignettes of the two playing cards in a making shift office provided entertaining TV. Simmons retired from in ring action in 2004 and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012. Despite retirement, Simmons makes sporadic appearances on WWE and he continues to entertain the fans.