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Black wrestlers have played an important role in the history and evolution of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Some of the most iconic and influential WWE superstars have been African American, helping to increase diversity and representation in the world of professional wrestling.
Legends like Junkyard Dog, Ron Simmons, and Booker T broke down barriers, pioneering as black champions in a sport historically dominated by white performers. More recently, black wrestlers like Bobby Lashley, Kofi Kingston, and Bianca Belair have continued to showcase their elite athleticism and abilities on WWE’s global stage. Their charisma and connection with audiences of all backgrounds have helped make WWE’s programming more inclusive.
From the pioneering black wrestlers of the past to the current generation, African Americans have left an indelible mark on WWE and pro wrestling as a whole. Their contributions and accomplishments will continue to inspire future black athletes pursuing their dreams in WWE and beyond.
Our team at RNBPhilly put.a list together of the top 10 African-American WWE wrestlers of all-time.
Check out the Top 10 African-American WWE Wrestlers of All-Time below!
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Honorable Mention
Ron Killings
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Most notably known as ‘R Truth’, ‘K-Kwiq’ for the attitude era, Killings has reached a transcendent level of longevity in the Wrestling industry, performing for over two decades. Killings began his wrestling career in the late 1990s, working for independent promotions before signing with WWE in 2000. He in most notably recognized for being a 34-time 24/7 Champion. Killings also become a one-time United States Champion, a two-time Hardcore Champion.
Kofi Kingston
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Kofi Kingston is a athletically gifted wrestler. He made his debut with the company in 2006 and over the years has become one of its most popular and decorated stars. Kingston had multiple reigns as Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, and Tag Team Champion. But his biggest accomplishment came in 2019 when he won the WWE Championship after more than a decade of pursuing the coveted title.
Big E
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Big E first signed with WWE in 2009 and spent several years performing in their developmental system before debuting on the main roster in 2012 as part of The New Day tag team. As part of The New Day, Big E held the tag team championship titles multiple times and in 2021, Big E finally broke out as a singles competitor when he won the WWE Championship. Whether in the tag team division or as a singles competitor, Big E always remained a fan favorite while delivering exciting matches.
Charles Wright
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Notoriously known as ‘The Godfather’ Wright gets a tremendous amount of credit for being able to stay afloat with World Wrestling Entertainment as they made numerous transitions. Though primarily known as an entertaining mid-card character, The Godfather did find championship success during his WWE run, capturing the Intercontinental Title and the Tag Team Titles on one occasion each. Wright’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016 cemented his legacy as one of the most memorable personalities of WWE’s Attitude Era
Shelton Benjamin
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Benjamin was known as one of the most explosive and athletic wrestlers to ever step foot in a WWE ring. Signing with the company in the early 2000’s, he formed a tag team called “The World’s Greatest Tag Team” with Charlie Haas. The duo had great success, winning the WWE Tag Team Championship on two occasions. Benjamin embarked on a successful singles career after the duo split in 2004. He won the WWE Intercontinental Championship three times between 2004-2007
1. World Wrestling Federation’s Wrestler Rock Poses June 12 2000 In Los Angeles Ca
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By far one of the most iconic, charismatic, electrifying figures to step into the ring, The Rock is undoubtedly the greatest African-American WWE wrestler of all-time. The Rock even show promise as a youngster, making his debut at Rocky Mavia in the 1996 Survivor Series. After becoming one of the premier talents the company had during the attitude era, The Rock went onto Hollywood to pursue a highly successful acting career. The Rock’s unmatchable mic skills, catchphrases, and connections with the millions, is what make him a generational talent and undoubtedly, the greatest to ever do it.
2. Booker T
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Booker T rose to prominence in WCW (World Championship Wrestling) in the 1990s as one half of the popular tag team Harlem Heat with his brother Stevie Ray. Booker T went on to become a five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion before the company was bought out by WWE in 2001. Booker T had much success in WWE as well, becoming a six-time world heavyweight champion and winning the 2006 King of the Ring. Booker T was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
3. Ron Simmons
Ron Simmons did a ‘DAMN’ good job in the WWE. Although his most notable work did not happen with the company, as Simmons’ biggest accomplishment was becoming the first African American world heavyweight champion in professional wrestling history when he defeated Big Van Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 1992. Simmons however managed to make a transition into the WWE and adjust to numerous character switches from face to heel, back to face, to become a staple in the attitude era and cement his legacy in the WWE. Simmons was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012
4. Junkyard Dog
The junkyard dog wasn’t the most technically skilled wrestler, but his heart and relentless style always made for thrilling, hard-hitting matches.. Despite his rough exterior, the junkyard dog won fans over with his courageous never-say-die attitude. Even when the odds seemed stacked against him, he would fight with the ferocity and determination of a cornered animal
5. Tony Atlas
One of the most chiseled men of 1980’s wrestling, Atlas is best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the 1980s where he teamed with Rocky Johnson as The Soul Patrol.
“Mr. USA” Tony Atlas was the first man to ever pin Hulk Hogan with a clean 3-count.
6. Rocky Johnson
Rocky began wrestling in 1964 and quickly gained fame for his athleticism and charismatic personality in the ring. Rocky joined the WWE in the 1980s. Rocky stood out with his impressive physique, signature “Soul Man” entrance music. Rocky Johnson’s impact and legacy in professional wrestling will not be forgotten.
7. Ahmed Johnson
Ahmed Johnson established himself as one of the most popular wrestlers of the 90s. With his impressive physique, charisma, and wrestling skills, he made an immediate impact. Fans were drawn to his high-flying moves like the Pearl River Plunge and his devastating spinebuster. His dynamic wrestling style and infectious personality endeared him to fans all over the world.
8. Mark Henry
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Nicknamed “The World’s Strongest Man,” Henry stood out for his intimidating size and strength. He began his WWE career in 1996 after a successful weightlifting and powerlifting career, which included setting multiple world records. Henry was able to maintain stability with the company for over two decades switching between face and heel. He won various championships, including the ECW Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship.
9. Bobby Lashley
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Lashley made his WWE debut in 2005 and found success early on by winning the United States Championship in his first year. However, he left WWE in 2008 to pursue MMA. Lashley came back to WWE where he has become a world champion and been a fixture of the Raw brand ever since.
10. D-Lo Brown
D-Lo Brown had a memorable and influential run in the WWF during the height of the attitude era. Brown was a really good wrestler, with a great personality, that even when he was a heel, it was hard not to see the face. Brown’s Lo Down finisher, and upbeat attitude made him one of the most popular mid-card wrestlers of his era.
