Anthony White [ 6 ] born April 23, better known by his ring name Tony Atlas , is an American bodybuilder, powerlifter , and professional wrestler who has held multiple titles and championships in each sport. He is also known by his bodybuilding title, " Mr. USA " a distinction he earned three times [ citation needed ] , the nom de guerre the " Black Superman ", as well as an alter ego named Saba Simba. He re-signed with WWE on a legends contract in mid The match finished with Atlas winning the fall for his team with a sleeper hold on The Blue Scorpion.
He was also the first man to press slam and pin Hulk Hogan though Hogan's foot was on the rope and the referee did not see it. He later teamed with Mr. In , he wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Then from to he returned to Georgia and wrestled in St. One of his first feuds was with Jesse "The Body" Ventura , over who had the better physique. At the time the AWA was being raided for talent by the WWF; this represented a swing in the opposite direction and Atlas received a push upon joining the promotion.
This and a disqualification loss to Nick Bockwinkel were Atlas' only defeats in singles competition. Ten days later he teamed with Jim Brunzell for another shot at the Road Warriors, but this time was defeated. His final match with the promotion was a victory against Tom Scott on October 28, after which he returned to the World Wrestling Federation.
He scored a win against Bob Orton and a non-title victory over WWF Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine at the Steel Cage Turmoil round robin tournament in Hartford, CT on November 23, a predecessor to the King of the Ring tournaments that were held later in the decade as annual house show events , but suffered his first defeat on his comeback when he lost to David Schultz. 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.
In January , Atlas competed in a tournament to crown the Texas Heavyweight Champion, beating Tim Brooks in the opening round but falling to Matt Borne in the quarter-finals. Following a match that went to a time limit draw against Al Perez , Atlas left the company in Brody entered the shower stall and a few seconds later a scuffle ensued, followed by two groans, loud enough for the entire locker room to hear.
