Wrestling's 13 Greatest African-American Stars
9. Tony Atlas
'Tony Atlas' might have been a sobriquet for Virginian bodybuilder Anthony White, but it wasn't far from the truth. A legitimate strongman, Atlas probably really did have enough power to hoist the world upon his shoulders. And he wouldn't have struggled like his namesake.
Pro-wrestling fit 'Mr. USA' like a glove. He had the look, the strength, and the charisma - the perfect mélange to succeed under the bright lights of New York. In WWE, he and partner Rocky Johnson - the father of a certain Hollywood superstar - made history by becoming the first African-Americans to wear the World Tag Team straps.
Atlas left the company in 1988, and despite his success in the industry, found himself fallen on hard times come the turn of the decade. Thankfully, Vince McMahon was there to offer him a lifeline. Unfortunately, his old employer stuffed him in a grass skirt and made him dance around as Saba Simba. At least Roddy Piper - not always the most dependable when it came to dismantling racism - cut straight through the degrading nonsense.
In 2006, Atlas was offered a more dignified gesture from the company, rightfully inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.