African American Wrestlers Chronicled in Informative New Book

The Rock and Booker T both achieved world heavyweight titles this year, marking the first time ever that African American athletes have captured both the WWF and WCW titles in the same calendar year. In fact, Ron Simmons (Faarooq) was the last black grappler to even claim a WWF or WCW title; capturing the WCW version of the world championship back in 1992.

"Black Stars of Professional Wrestling" by Julian L.D. Shabazz is a must read for fans who have an interest in the evolution of the black athlete into the world of professional wrestling. The text contains biographies, pictures, and drawings of African American wrestlers dating back to the inception of the pro wrestling business.

Shabazz traces the first black wrestler back to Black Sam (real name Viro Small), who made his pro debut in 1881. Shabazz also notes that Black Sam won roughly 95 per cent of his matches, placing him in elite company in the annals of pro wrestling.

Perhaps the most violent man in the history of professional wrestling is the ageless Abdullah the Butcher. This world-renowned superstar debuted in 1958, and amazingly is still active today, popping up in Puerto Rico, Japan, and occasionally working American independent shows. His use of foreign objects is legendary, and his brutal battles with the late Bruiser Brody are some of the bloodiest contests wrestling fans have ever witnessed.

The late Junkyard Dog was one of the most beloved African American superstars in the history of pro wrestling. JYD was tragically killed in an automobile accident on June 1, 1998, when he fell asleep at the wheel of his automobile.

Growing up, I always enjoyed the antics of Bad News Allen, who became Bad News Brown upon entering the WWF. Brown had a series of memorable matches with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Bret "The Hitman" Hart. He won a 20-man battle royal at Wrestlemania IV.

Rocky Johnson, the father of the Rock, captured several singles and tag team titles in his heyday, including the WWF World tag team title with a fellow African American superstar, strongman Tony Atlas.

Doom (Ron Simmons and Butch Reed) were one of the most successful black tag teams. Harlem Heat (real life brothers Booker T and Stevie Ray), however, is the most prolific African American team in the history of the business, capturing a record ten WCW World Tag Team titles.

My favorite syndicated wrestling show growing up was probably Bill Watts' Universal Championship Wrestling. The UWF featured two superstar African American competitors - Iceman King Parson and a man with a devastating super kick, the late Savannah Jack.

Shabazz notes that WWF beauty Jacqueline is the first African American female to capture a world title in a major federation. She also is the first black athlete to claim a world singles title in the World Wrestling Federation.

If you are a fan of pro wrestling history, you will want this text on your bookshelf , serving as a wonderful reference material. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Julian Shabazz for forwarding me a copy of his facts filled book. "Black Stars of Professional Wrestling" is a personally recommended read.

You can purchase your copy of the book at all major bookstores or order it on-line at Amazon.com or awesomecommunications.com.

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