Tony Atlas, born April 23, 1954, is an American bodybuilder, powerlifter, and professional wrestler who has held multiple titles and championships in each sport.
Atlas is also known by his bodybuilding title, "Mr. USA", the nom de guerre the "Black Superman", as well as an alter ego named Saba Simba. He is an iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling, known not only for his impressive physique and strength but also for his charismatic presence and contributions to the sport.
Throughout his career, Tony Atlas has been associated with various wrestling shoes, including the notable "Rocky" brand, favored for their durability and performance. These shoes have become synonymous with his powerful presence in the ring.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Atlas started wrestling in 1974 for the National Wrestling Alliance World Wide/Mid Atlantic area. His debut, on July 10, was a tag team match with Bob Bruggers against Art Neilson and The Blue Scorpion.
He worked for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions, the World Wrestling Council (WWC), World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
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Among his regular partners were Tommy Rich (as "TNT"), Dick Murdoch, and Rocky Johnson. During his time with the NWA, Atlas captured the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title with Tommy Rich.
Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Achievements
In 1979, he won the Pro Mr. USA bodybuilding title in the inferior WBBG organization. Thereafter, he was frequently promoted as "Mr. USA." That same year, he won a bench press meet, by bench pressing 540 lbs.
Tony Atlas's achievements in bodybuilding and powerlifting significantly contributed to his wrestling persona, emphasizing his incredible strength and physical prowess.
World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Career
Atlas debuted in the World Wrestling Federation on October 23, 1979, defeating Johnny Rodz at a Championship Wrestling taping. One of his first feuds was with Jesse "The Body" Ventura, over who had the better physique.
One day after departing the AWA, Atlas returned to the WWF at a television taping for All Star Wrestling in Hamilton, Ontario, and pinned Rene Goulet in a match that aired on November 17. Upon his return, Atlas was shunted to the mid card in the WWF and was undefeated against competition that included Mr Fuji, The Spoiler, The Iron Sheik, and Moondog Rex.
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At this point Atlas began to transition to a mid-card performer and would lose several matches, including bouts with Bret Hart, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, and Roddy Piper.
Atlas made his PPV debut in 1986 when he appeared in the Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 2 being eliminated by William Perry.
Atlas began to be shunted further down the card, losing to Big John Studd, Iron Sheik, Dory Funk Jr., and Harley Race.
World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW)
Two months later Tony joined the Texas-based World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) where he adopted the moniker of "The Black Superman". On December 1, Atlas defeated Crusher Yorkoff to win the World Class World Television Championship.
In the summer of 1987 he had almost instant success when he teamed with Skip Young to win the World Class Texas Tag Team Title.
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Hulk Hogan vs. Tony Atlas 3-16-1981
Return to WWF as Saba Simba
In 1990 Atlas returned to the WWF where he wrestled as "Saba Simba" for the remainder of 1990 and into January 1991. On December 13, 2010, Tony appeared on Right After Wrestling and credited the Saba Simba character with saving his life as he was homeless and living on a park bench before getting a phone call from McMahon.
He played a warrior of a Ugandan tribe and was intended to feud with Akeem, but the feud never took place after Akeem departed from the promotion. Atlas was kept at midcard status, losing to Dino Bravo and The Barbarian.
His last match was on September 13, 1991, at a house show in Allentown, Pennsylvania, filling in for Jim Neidhart, losing to Irwin R.
World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Later Career
Teaming with The Barbarian, Atlas made his debut as a heel for WCW on the October 10, 1992, with a victory over Jeff Daniels and TA McCoy. They were immediately programmed by WCW Vice President Bill Watts into a feud with Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes.
Atlas entered the King of Cable tournament but was defeated by Big Van Vader in the quarterfinals. In the semi-finals he fell to Dustin Rhodes.
Atlas also became part of a storyline where a bounty had been placed on rookie Erik Watts head; Atlas entered a house show series in January 1993 with the young Watts but was winless.
WWE Hall of Fame and Later Appearances
Atlas made a surprise return to the WWF on the March 10, 1997, edition of Monday Night Raw. Following a victory by Intercontinental Champion Rocky Maivia over Tony Roy, Atlas came out of the crowd to congratulate the son of his former tag-team partner Rocky Johnson.
Atlas was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by S. D. Jones.
Atlas appeared on the July 8, 2008, airing of ECW where Theodore Long appointed him the special guest ring announcer for the main event featuring Tommy Dreamer with then-babyface, Colin Delaney in his corner against then-heel, ECW Champion Mark Henry.
On the December 9 edition of ECW, Atlas wrestled in a WWE ring for the first time in 17 years (along with Mark Henry) in a tag team match, where they defeated Finlay and Hornswoggle. He also wrestled Evan Bourne on the June 9, 2009, episode of ECW in a losing effort.
Atlas was released from his WWE contract on April 30, 2010. However he still made sporadic appearances with the company; he made a brief appearance on the Old School Raw episode on November 15, 2010.
Championships and Accomplishments
Tony Atlas has achieved significant success throughout his career, holding multiple championships in various wrestling promotions.
Key Accomplishments:
- NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship: 4 times (with Tommy Rich)
- World Class World Television Championship
- World Class Texas Tag Team Title (with Skip Young)
- WWE Hall of Fame Induction: 2006
These accomplishments underscore his impact and legacy in professional wrestling.
Tony Atlas's career is a testament to his athleticism, charisma, and dedication to professional wrestling. From his early days in the NWA to his memorable runs in the WWF and WCW, Atlas has left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike, solidifying his place as a true icon in the world of wrestling.