Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Retires

Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons has announced his retirement from the wrestling industry.

Simmons, who was the first recognized African-American singles World Champion, competed in what was billed as his "retirement match" this past Saturday night at the Historic Purks International Championship Wrestling show in Cedartown, Georgia. Unfortunately for Simmons, he came up on the losing end in his final wrestling bout as Alexander the Great pinned Air Paris in what was a tag match.

Following the match, David Young said he had no problem with Simmons. His problem was with Paris, saying they weren't friends, never were friends and never would be friends. Paris apologized to Simmons and the people for letting them down. Simmons said Young was the one that let the people down, and Paris was still a winner in his eyes and in the eyes of the people.

"There's not one word I can give you," Simmons added. However, Paris said there is one word.

Simmons then did a long, dramatic pause before saying "Damn!"

He then thanked the fans and said he was calling it a career. He then did a Q&A immediately following the show and said he would continue making appearances that included physical involvement, but that he would no longer be wrestling.

Simmons, who was a two-time consensus All-American football player at Florida State University, is set to be inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 20.