feature promo
Reflecting on the Past
Kofi Kingston reflects on the African-American Superstars that helped pave his path into WWE.
Koko B. Ware
Koko B. Ware took WWE for the flight of its life throughout the late 1980s and '90s, both as a solo competitor and as a member of the tag team High Energy.
Learn more about Koko B. Ware
Theodore Long
Theodore Long joined WWE as a referee in 1999 and has been a mainstay ever since as one of the all-time great managers and general managers in history.
Learn more about Theodore Long
Butch Reed
Packing with an in-your-face manager and a devastating gorilla press slam, "The Natural" Butch Reed was one of the toughest men ever to enter a ring.
Learn more about Butch Reed
S.D. "Special Delivery" Jones
Known especially for his work with WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas, "Special Delivery" was a thorn in Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito's side in the early '80s ... not to mention the rest of the WWE roster.
Learn more about S.D. Jones
Virgil
Whether you know him as Ted DiBiase's bodyguard, the Million Dollar Champion or as a member of the New World Order, Virgil was one of the most recognizable Superstars of the 1980s and 1990s.
Learn more about Virgil
Kamala
One of the most feared Superstars of the 1980s, the Ugandan Giant Kamala became one of the most beloved of the 1990s once he was "rescued" from his abusive handlers by Slick.
Learn more about Kamala
Slick
Then known as "The Doctor of Style," Slick entered WWE in 1986 as a protege of the one and only Hall of Famer "Classy" Freddie Blassie. Today, he's known as Rev. Kenneth Johnson in his home state of Texas.
Learn more about Slick
James Dudley
WWE Hall of Famer James Dudley, inducted in 1994, was the first African-American to run a major arena in the United States, and was a close colleague of WWE founder Vincent J. McMahon.
Learn more about James Dudley
The Johnson Family
Rocky Johnson was one half of the first African-American duo to win the World Tag Team Titles.
His son, The Rock, is a nine-time World Champion and a major motion picture star.
Learn more: The Rock | Rocky Johnson
Tony Atlas
"Mr. USA" Tony Atlas made history in 1983 when he and partner Rocky Johnson became the first African-American World Tag Team Champions. 13 years later, Atlas was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Learn more about Tony Atlas
Ernie Ladd
"Big Cat" Ernie Ladd is one of the all-time greats in both football and sports-entertainment. Ladd is a member of five Halls of Fame, including those of WWE (class of 1995) and the San Diego Chargers.
Learn more about Ernie Ladd
Bobo Brazil
Bobo Brazil, known for his dreaded "Coco Butt" head butt, was one of sports-entertainment's biggest stars for over 30 years, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1994.
Learn more about Bobo Brazil
Junk Yard Dog
Junk Yard Dog was one of WWE's most popular Superstars in the 1980s. He was the winner of the first Wrestling Classic, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Learn more about Junk Yard Dog
Ron Simmons
Ron Simmons made history in 1992, becoming the first African-American World Heavyweight Champion by defeating Vader for the WCW Championship.
Learn more about Ron Simmons
Also on WWE.com...
Be sure to check out WWE.com's "Where Are They Now?" feature on former Nation of Domination member Clarence Mason and NFL great William "The Refrigerator" Perry's WWE Hall of Fame section.
Learn more: Clarence Mason | William Perry