Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ahmed Johnson is recovering after being involved in a car accident where he was hit by a drunk driver on September 29. In a statement released through Book Pro Wrestlers on Facebook, Johnson, whose real name is Tony Norris, confirmed that he is “okay” following the incident.
“When you have the Lord on your side, nothing can harm you,” he said. The news of the accident had fans concerned for the 90s powerhouse, but his statement has thankfully put those fears to rest.
Ahmed Johnson was one of the most explosive and popular stars of WWE’s “New Generation” era. After debuting in the fall of 1995, he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1996, he made history by becoming the first African-American to win a singles championship in WWE when he defeated Goldust to capture the Intercontinental Championship. His rise saw him headline several pay-per-view events and positioned him as a top contender for the WWF Championship. He was also a member of the legendary Nation of Domination faction.
Unfortunately, Johnson’s main event run was frequently derailed by injuries, and he ultimately left the company in early 1998. He went on to have a brief and less successful run in WCW before stepping away from the wrestling business. Despite his relatively short time at the top, Johnson remains a memorable and impactful figure from a transitional era in WWE history, and he was featured in two of the company’s popular video games during his run.
Since retiring from the ring, Tony Norris has largely stayed out of the public eye, making his recent statement a rare communication with his fanbase. We wish him a speedy recovery.
