Ron Simmons Looks Back On The Impact Of Winning WCW World Title From Vader

Ron Simmons is considered an icon in pro wrestling, with achievements like becoming one half of the inaugural WCW World Tag Team Champions and the first Black WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Appearing alongside JBL on "Insight with Chris Van Vliet," Simmons looked back at the aforementioned world title victory against Vader, and admits it's something he often goes back and watches. 

"It was a real moment in this business," he recalled, noting how it wasn't just a moment for him, but also the fans and his friends. Although he was reluctant to pull the curtain back too far, Simmons revealed that nobody, including he himself, knew about the title change until shortly before it took place. "And that's where you got the realism of it, because no one would've ever expected that at a house show!"

JBL then weighed in, recalling how fans approach him at conventions and bring up Simmons' win against Vader. Simmons then admitted that, when he won the belt, he didn't have a true grasp on how much it would mean to people. 

"I get letters every week from someone saying they was at a bad place, dark place in their life, how it changed them and inspired them — and not just Black people, you understand me? All people of all walks of life, you know?" he proclaimed. "So it's really special and it really means a lot."

Simmons' title win took place in August 1992 and was later shown on "WCW Main Event." His title reign would go on to last until the end of that year, when Vader won it back at a live event.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet," and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.