10 Times Wrestling GENUINELY Tried To Be Progressive
5. Ron Simmons Wins The WCW World Heavyweight Title
Bobo Brazil was credited with smashing racial barriers and divides after dethroning NWA World Champion Buddy Rogers in 1962, but an injury angle between the pair brought the title switch into disrepute for the duration of his disputed reign.
Much of the world had changed in the 30 years since, but wrestling was somehow still awaiting a bonafide African American World Heavyweight Champion before Ron Simmons heroically took home the gold in August 1992.
The catch somehow surpassed the thrill of the chase - Simmons had won a raffle to get a shot at Champion Big Van Vader - with his heroic ascent a piece masterfully scripted wrestling melodrama.
Overcoming Vader with a powerslam, Simmons' victory resulted in one of the more underrated celebrations in wrestling history. The crowd were beyond ecstatic for the win, clearly embracing the legitimately significant nature of the win with joyous vim. For all the countless Southern stereotypes perpetuated by Vince McMahon over WCW and all pro wrestling below the Mason-Dixon line, the company had managed a feat the Chairman would wait another six years to even contemplate.