Ron Simmons

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Ron Simmons is a retired American professional wrestler and former football player, best known for making history as the first African American world champion in professional wrestling. Born on May 15, 1958, in Perry, Georgia, Simmons first gained recognition as a standout college football player before transitioning to a legendary wrestling career.

Simmons was a dominant force at Florida State University (FSU), where he played as a defensive lineman under coach Bobby Bowden. He was a two-time All-American and later had brief stints in the NFL (Cleveland Browns), USFL, and CFL before moving into professional wrestling.

Simmons made his wrestling debut in the mid-1980s but rose to fame in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he achieved his greatest milestone. On August 2, 1992, he defeated Big Van Vader to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, making history as the first recognized Black world champion in a major wrestling promotion.

After WCW, Simmons joined the WWE (then WWF) in the mid-90s, where he became famous as Faarooq, the leader of the influential faction The Nation of Domination, which played a key role in shaping the careers of stars like The Rock. Later, he teamed up with Bradshaw (JBL) to form The Acolytes Protection Agency (APA), a fan-favorite tag team known for their hard-hitting style and backstage poker segments.

Simmons retired from in-ring competition in the mid-2000s but remained a beloved WWE personality, often making special appearances with his iconic catchphrase: "DAMN!" He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.

Beyond wrestling, Simmons is recognized for breaking barriers, mentoring young wrestlers, and inspiring generations of athletes.

Football CareerWrestling CareerLegacy & Retirement