Prior to 1992, neither World Championship Wrestling nor Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation had ever taken the initiative and booked a popular African American star to capture their company's heavyweight championship. That all changed when Bill Watts opted to put the WCW Title on Ron Simmons, a tremendous athlete and former standout defensive end from Florida State University. A charismatic competitor who was beloved by the fans in Atlanta, Simmons was a fine choice. On August 2, he did the unthinkable and defeated the seemingly unconquerable Big Van Vader with a huge powerslam and was greeted with a hero's reception. Barry Windham, Brian Pillman, Dustin Rhodes and Van Hammer (one of these things is not like the others) hoisted him on their shoulders in a sign of respect for the new champion. It felt like a monumental moment for the promotion, one that would change the course of wrestling history. Unfortunately, questionable opposition (The Barbarian? Really?) and a lack of support elsewhere in the company, not to mention the dissension that existed between Watts and higher management in WCW, hampered Simmons' run with the title. Despite holding it for a lengthy 150 days, Simmons was never really able to cement his legacy as one of the elite champions in WCW history. By the time Vader defeated him to regain the title, it was a necessary and rather obvious change.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
