Celebrating The First Champions: Ron Simmons & Bobo Brazil
*Actually written by Brittney Levingston, @heybriittney!
We here at Black Girl Wrestling celebrate Black history every day, which is exactly why this platform was created. This Black History Month, however, we’re turning it up a notch! We want to spend the month of February highlighting and celebrating some of our favorite bits of Black History in the professional wrestling world. This includes both athletes and moments of the past, as well stories of Black history in the making that we’re watching unfold right now! For today, let's turn our attention to the squared circle and honor two pioneering champions who paved the way for the incredible athletes dominating the ring today: Ron Simmons and Bobo Brazil.
Shattering Barriers: The Dominating Reign of Ron Simmons
Damn! In 1992 that iconic roar echoed through the arena as Ron Simmons, dubbed "The Dominator," defeated Vader to become the first officially recognized Black heavyweight champion in a major wrestling promotion. This monumental shift in the wrestling landscape resonated far beyond the squared circle and changed the game for future generations of Black wrestlers.
Prior to this electrifying moment, Simmons made a name for himself in both football and wrestling. A standout defensive tackle in college, he even earned a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame. After transitioning to wrestling in 1986, his powerful presence and iconic entrance laid the foundation for his legacy inside the squared circle. But his impact transcended his in-ring persona. "Damn!" became a cultural phenomenon and provided comedic relief.
Later, Simmons spearheaded The Nation of Domination, a faction that, while occasionally controversial, addressed social issues and pushed boundaries. This American-Canadian group featuring future legends like Mark Henry and The Rock, further cemented Simmons’ role as a trailblazer. While their story deserves its own exploration (stay tuned!), his legacy transcends any single moment. Ron Simmons stands as a true pioneer, inspiring generations of Black wrestlers to chase their dreams and fight for representation.
But the true measure of his legacy lies in the inspiration he sparked. Wrestlers such as Big E and Bobby Lashley have both publicly thanked Simmons for paving the way for their success. Big E, reflecting on Simmons’ WCW title win, stated, “it was incredible… seeing the locker room clear out and celebrate him.” Lashley, acknowledging Simmons’ influence on his early wrestling style, said "There are so many different aspects of him I wanted to be.” Most recently, this past weekend, Swerve Strickland, current wrestler who I personally consider to be Black history in the making, mentioned Ron Simmons on live television while taking a moment to recognize Black History Month and some of the Black wrestlers who paved the way for him and his Black counterparts in the professional wrestling world.
Simmons’ impact extends beyond individual careers. He helped shatter stereotypes, and demonstrated that athleticism, charisma and power are not confined by race. His success opened doors for future generations, allowing Black wrestlers to dream bigger and fight for their rightful place in the spotlight.
Before “Damn!”: Remembering Bobo Brazil, the Unsung Trailblazer
While Ron Simmons’ victory in 1992 was a monumental moment, the story of Black excellence in wrestling stretches back further, and Bobo Brazil’s legacy deserves its rightful place.
In 1962, 30 years before Simmons captured the gold, Brazil stood poised to etch his name in history. He defeated the NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Buddy Rogers. His victory, however, was shrouded in controversy for a multitude of reasons that vary, depending on the source. Some say Rogers claimed an injury after a low blow from Brazil, while others believe it was a pre-planned angle for promoters to test the waters and see how their audience would react to a Black champion. Regardless, Bobo Brazil’s title win was never officially recognized.
This complication, while perhaps costing him personal glory, solidified his reputation and paved the way got future generations of Black champions, such as Ron Simmons. Brazil, throughout his career, faced immense racial prejudice while simultaneously demonstrating that dignity and respect were just as important as championship belts.
Brazil’s impact transcended that single incident in 1962. He was a dominant force in the ring, drawing packed crowds and challenging racial barriers. He became a fan favorite and widely referred to as “the Jackie Robinson of professional wrestling” after transcending a multitude of racial divides.
While Brazil never officially held the world title, his influence is undeniable. He inspired countless Black wrestlers, including Ron Simmons and Rocky Johnson, and helped lay the groundwork for future champions. His story reminds us that the fight for equity and equality are rarely linear, with victories coming in various forms.
Celebrating Legacy and Looking Forward
Both Ron Simmons and Bobo Brazil, officially recognized or not, represent the ongoing fight for equality and Black excellence in wrestling. Their stories remind us that progress, while hard-fought, is possible. Today, we see incredible Black athletes in the ring such as Naomi, Bryan Keith, Bianca Belair, and Kofi Kingston carrying the torch, rewriting wrestling history and rewriting the narrative for the next generation.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s actively remember these pioneers, for without their names etched in our memory, their struggles fade, their victories become whispers, and the path they paved risks vanishing beneath the sands of time. By celebrating their stories, we honor their sacrifices, empower the next generation, and send a clear message: The contributions of Black wrestlers, past and present, deserve not just acknowledgement, but applause, admiration, and their rightful place in wrestling history.
