Ron Simmons reflects on history-making moment in the wrestling business (Exclusive)
Ron Simmons was one of the most influential pro wrestlers of his generation. In an exclusive interview, the WWE Hall of Famer opened up about the significance of his WCW World Heavyweight Championship victory.
In August 1992, Simmons beat Big Van Vader to capture WCW's most prestigious title. In doing so, the former football player became the first black world champion in the company's history. He held the title for 150 days before losing it back to Vader in December 1992.
Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter, Simmons confirmed he still regularly thinks about his title win:
"Well, hell yeah. Yeah, man. You know what? Because that's a great honor to be bestowed upon you, and I'm very fortunate that it was me. You know what I'm saying? And it was a badge of honor that I don't take lightly, right? At the time, because I'm a wrestler, professionally, that was the goal, was to become champion." [1:53 – 2:14]
Watch the video above to hear Simmons explain why AJ Styles is among the best wrestlers in the world.
Fans still contact Ron Simmons about his world title win
At the time, Ron Simmons knew his victory over Big Van Vader would become a major moment in wrestling history. However, he had no idea fans would still talk about it so many years later.
The former Nation of Domination member added that he still receives weekly letters from fans about his famous 1992 triumph:
"Then, secondly, it then dawned on me what that meant as far as being a historical moment until years like now later far removed from it happening," Simmons continued. "How much it meant not only to the fans but to the business. It still resonates now, and I get letters weekly about what that meant to a lot of people who are grown now with kids, so it really means a lot." [2:15 – 2:40]
In the same interview, Simmons named one big mistake that modern-day wrestlers often make compared to past generations.
What is your favorite Ron Simmons moment? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Thanks to Tommy Fierro and Independent Superstars of Pro Wrestling (ISPW) for assisting with this interview. You can find out more about ISPW here.
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