10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (April 22)
6. Tony Atlas Was In Line To Be WWF Champion Before Personal Issues Ruined It
A mountain of muscle, Tony Atlas looked like he was chiselled from stone. In the late-1970's and early-to-mid-80's, he was a very popular performer, notably teaming with Rocky Johnson, father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, to become a WWF Tag-Team Champion.
According to Bret Hart, Atlas was ear-marked to be an even bigger star before the explosion of Hulk Hogan and the subsequent domination of 'Hulkamania'.
During one of his regular interviews with WrestleZone Radio, Hart claimed that talks were held regarding a possible WWF Heavyweight Title run for the African-American star, but that his own personal problems got in the way and spoiled things.
Drug issues diverted the attention of management, leading them to pull Tony's push out from under his feet. A similar story has previously surfaced regarding the Intercontinental Title, but Hart's tale is the first linking Atlas with a WWF Heavyweight Title run.
The subject was broached when Bret was asked about African-American champions, citing Atlas as somebody who could have been one of the first.