I have known Tony for 10 years. He works for me at my gym in Lewiston, Maine. Tony is a great person and very giving. He does not do drugs. He has given back to our community and is well loved.
Considering Mr. Atlas release from the most powerful Wrestling Promotion He is looking forward. Instead of looking back. Mr. Atlas despite personal struggles has remained one of the most charismatic athletes to ever enter the fabled circle.
MEt Tony Atlas and Tito Santana about 10 yrs ago here in Hawaii! They stayed a few nights at a hotel,my wife managed in Waikiki.They both gave me a autograph and we talked about the days of old school westling when I grew up watching Tony Atlas live at the Winston-Salem Coloseum when he feuded with Rick Flair. And we discussed a little about the great wrestler Ruffus R. Freight Train Jones, Never knew he passed away until speaking about him with Mr. Atlas. That was sad news because Mr freight Train Jones was one of my favorites of all Time.Tony is a class act and very respectful to his fans. Mr. U.S.A. Forever!
I loved him when he first came on the scene wearing a mask as the Black Atlas in the NWA. He wouldn’t speak initially then they finally got him to the mike and I knew why he wouldn’t speak. Tony has come a long way in his speech improvement. Was always a great entertainer.
i love tony atlas,he was an old traing partner in the bronx ny and a really nice guy,we even competed against each other in an aau bodybuilding show,super strong.
I was blessed to be at that show and my wife bought me that wonderful NWA banner hanging in the background. I now have it hanging in one of our rooms. It was a fantastic show and my friend Greg Price is a great guy too.
known tony most of my life everything has been an uphill battle for him if he is one thing it is not stupid thats for dammed sure. if he has one major fault that fault would be his compassionate approach towards people around him. as the old saying goes nice guys finish last. It was really nice to see him and his wife finally buy a house here in town and settle in to a city he has called home for years and no he doesnt live in lewiston maine.
It's sad that most fans today only know Tony Atlas as the guy with the goofy laugh on Abraham Washington's show or as the guy who was Saba Simba from the early 90s. In the early 80s Atlas was one of the top stars of the WWF. He even pinned Hulk Hogan in Madison Square Garden.
I can't believe that Bill Apter is trying to get a certain laugh out of a wrestler that has just been fired from WWE! That's just callous on your part, Mr. Apter! You have no shame, so I'll say it:SHAME ON YOU, BILL APTER!!! You had that one coming!!!!!!
You would think WWE would want to keep Tony Atlas around just because he has a great attitiude. He was let go, yet he isn't bitter or throwing the company under the bus like alot of other wrestlers do...and I'm not saying the other wrestlers are wrong for doing it.
Met Tony Atlas and Jimmy "superfly" Snuka at Essex County fair shook hands with them. Superfly smokes Marlboro lights. I was announcing harness races. The fair is smallest fair in NY. Tony Atlas went in to order food and he can't read. They had to tell him what they had very sad wonder why he is broke and unemployed. Snuka said Steroids messed up Tony bad!! Met John Cena in 2005, nicest guy and funny as hell. Held the United States title in my hands the spinner United States title.
Don't know why WWE had to release Tony...they shoulda just brought him in as a commentator on Raw, and had him do his laugh every time Michael Cole made a joke about JR's weight =D
I wonder who would win a spelling contest between him and kamala...lol both humble men....I like his Mr. USA gimmick best...Kamala's gimmick was awesome though, especially as a heel.
My point is, Tony is speaking very well of an organization that handed him a racist gimmick, and then fired him because the fans didn't like the gimmick. Tony is either the nicest person on the planet, or he's learned over the years not to burn his bridges behind him no matter how unpleasant the experience was because, just like before, Vince can make it so that Tony can't find work ANYWHERE in pro wrestling.
Poor Tony has all the loyalty of an abused dog. WWF gave him that awful Saba Simba gimmick even after he'd been one of their biggest stars but he sees nothing wrong with how he was treated.
I could be very ignorant here, I hadn't seen Atlas on the WWF probably since 1982. What does he mean he was released now in 2010? What was he in the minors? No disrespect, as a little WHITE KID in the early 80's him and Rocky Johnson were my favorites, especially against the Samoan tag team. I am just confused on how the WWE released him in 2010.
Hey Tony! You do realize that you're using a Christmas reference with a Jewish man, right? Tony left WWF in the mid-80s and upon his WWF return, Vince had Tony come out as "Saba Simba" wearing a feather-covered faux African tribal headdress and carrying a shield and a spear. Not only that, but he had Tony DANCE his way to the ring, and on mic Vince claimed Tony had "rediscovered" his roots! I've been to Roanoke, and I don't think they carry spears there. They fired Tony a month later.
As a black man, to hear this man speak is sad. I have to listen some old "Bad News Brown" interviews to get this dunce horrible english out of my mind.
Tony Atlas was down and out when Vince McMahon rechristened him as "Saba Simba" back in 1990.The character was obviously racial and purposely directed at him,but he didn't care because he was just glad to have a job again.
He seems like a nice guy, just simple minded and unsavvy, unfortunately, those three elements are essentials in the wrestling business (especially if you're black, you must be on your A game in such a bigoted line of work). If you're too nice in wrestling, if you're uneducated, and if you are a poor business person...you're lucky to make it as far as Mr. Atlas did.
+Chris Booker tony made a lot of $$$ back in his day and blew it. not sure if he made enough scratch to flat out retire at age 40 or 45 but he was not savvy with his money. i'm glad WWF/E brought him back. hopefully tony has socked some money away now
+Chris Booker sadly you are so right,Vince has exploited all black wrestlers,no one comes to mind as much as Kamala,some day Vince is going to get what he deserves,call it karma or divine justice,but noone leaves this world with out paying and Vince has a lot to pay for.
Celina Dao agree. i hope he's in a much better position now and has been able to sock some money away. WWF should really offer a pension system for these long time guys.
Have to agree with that. Tony is just a country boy from rural Virginia. Overmatched against people like McMahon. Tony used to work out at a gym in Hamden, CT as all the other WWF pro's from 1979 to the mid 1980's. Tony was nice to the regulars at the gym. He was strong as heck. One day I saw him do a set of 10 @ 405 then a single of 500 on the flat bench.
@don417 to help put some money in his pockets so he can eat dinner, that's why...what kind of question is that...chump...Tony helped BUILD this business and his bank account should reflect that but it doesn't.
Really! How can you honestly say that? Speaking english Properly or not, does not make you any more/ less intelligent than if he only spoke spanish,french, german etc. Or what if he only spoke a language from africa? Would he be any less intelligent. Fyi from reading your comments. "check ya Gramma Bro." You actually should be a lil more compassionate and understanding. I would figure...Or are you not familiar with History. Keep in mind. Southern whites taught southern blacks how to speak....
I have known Tony for 10 years. He works for me at my gym in Lewiston, Maine. Tony is a great person and very giving. He does not do drugs. He has given back to our community and is well loved.
Considering Mr. Atlas release from the most powerful Wrestling Promotion He is looking forward. Instead of looking back. Mr. Atlas despite personal struggles has remained one of the most charismatic athletes to ever enter the fabled circle.
Tony is a good man. Love listening to his stories. They should make a movie about his life.
Just a class act. One of my favorite Wrestling legends, Mr. Tony Atlas... Watch! 2010 interview...
I remember watching Tony and The Rock's dad tag team. They were a great pair to watch.
AndyFromBeaverton sure do to! Always good work. Bodies were awesome. Decent mike skills. Just class acts to work with. Thanks for sharing!
How can you not like Tony Atlas .....
i remember years ago i got to meet tony atlas and i got his autograph. he had huge arms, and he was very polite and easy to talk to. Very good guy.
MEt Tony Atlas and Tito Santana about 10 yrs ago here in Hawaii! They stayed a few nights at a hotel,my wife managed in Waikiki.They both gave me a autograph and we talked about the days of old school westling when I grew up watching Tony Atlas live at the Winston-Salem Coloseum when he feuded with Rick Flair. And we discussed a little about the great wrestler Ruffus R. Freight Train Jones, Never knew he passed away until speaking about him with Mr. Atlas. That was sad news because Mr freight Train Jones was one of my favorites of all Time.Tony is a class act and very respectful to his fans. Mr. U.S.A. Forever!
Tony atlas classy. Good hearted guy.
God bless Tony!
I loved him when he first came on the scene wearing a mask as the Black Atlas in the NWA. He wouldn’t speak initially then they finally got him to the mike and I knew why he wouldn’t speak. Tony has come a long way in his speech improvement. Was always a great entertainer.
Tony is so awesome .. Love his positive attitude . In the ring , him vs patera is gold .
You have to love the internet, those who can talk all kind of crap because they sit behind a keyboard, love it. Tony was the man back in the day.
Damn trolls in here Tony is awesome stop hating
i love tony atlas,he was an old traing partner in the bronx ny and a really nice guy,we even competed against each other in an aau bodybuilding show,super strong.
Tony Atlas and Tommy wildfire rich was an awesome tag team holding the tag titles
I was blessed to be at that show and my wife bought me that wonderful NWA banner hanging in the background. I now have it hanging in one of our rooms. It was a fantastic show and my friend Greg Price is a great guy too.
I remember Toney Atlas much love...40 years
Nice interview Boss professional and grateful as always... BullMoose
love tony atlas
@tvwrestlingaddict that is correct... it's amazing how much Terry looks like Bob
known tony most of my life everything has been an uphill battle for him if he is one thing it is not stupid thats for dammed sure. if he has one major fault that fault would be his compassionate approach towards people around him. as the old saying goes nice guys finish last. It was really nice to see him and his wife finally buy a house here in town and settle in to a city he has called home for years and no he doesnt live in lewiston maine.
I LOVE THIS GUY !!!!!!!!
Atlas is the most charismatic wrestler I've seen, love his stories
i always like the way Tony wears his dress shirts without the sleeves it's so cool along with his nice looking ties. he's a true gentleman!
The years have been good to Tony Atlas!
Mr.Atlas you are the reason I got into Weight Lifting and I Thank You Sir
love his approach to wrestling
His acceptance speech at the HOF is still among the best - if not the best - speech I've ehard from that night in any year.
TONY!
Tony was great back 8n the WWF days. I don't watch WWE that was when I quit when they did.
It's sad that most fans today only know Tony Atlas as the guy with the goofy laugh on Abraham Washington's show or as the guy who was Saba Simba from the early 90s. In the early 80s Atlas was one of the top stars of the WWF. He even pinned Hulk Hogan in Madison Square Garden.
stand up citizen in Lewiston Maine
anybody got a cella phone? who remembers that bit from the one show? where he was talking about having to hide his money from himself
True Life Im a pro wrestler
Tony is a class act all the way. He is a true immortal.
@elc1960 I have 2 correct u...he stayed around for about 6-8 months. Tony spoke about it on a MTV show one time.
Did Tony Atlas make the WWE Hall of fame?
Tony Atlas gave his all for WWE...I hope Vince took care of him
rsd338 I doubt it. Vince took care of Vince
How did that wrestling reporter get an interview with Magic Johnson? And why are they talking about wrestling?
I can't believe that Bill Apter is trying to get a certain laugh out of a wrestler that has just been fired from WWE! That's just callous on your part, Mr. Apter! You have no shame, so I'll say it:SHAME ON YOU, BILL APTER!!! You had that one coming!!!!!!
Ronald Shank that was a buffoonish thing to ask someone that’s just been released from their job.
He's trying to cheer him up, and make him feel that his work being of some worth. Negativity kills common sense.
You would think WWE would want to keep Tony Atlas around just because he has a great attitiude. He was let go, yet he isn't bitter or throwing the company under the bus like alot of other wrestlers do...and I'm not saying the other wrestlers are wrong for doing it.
Met Tony Atlas and Jimmy "superfly" Snuka at Essex County fair shook hands with them. Superfly smokes Marlboro lights. I was announcing harness races. The fair is smallest fair in NY. Tony Atlas went in to order food and he can't read. They had to tell him what they had very sad wonder why he is broke and unemployed. Snuka said Steroids messed up Tony bad!! Met John Cena in 2005, nicest guy and funny as hell. Held the United States title in my hands the spinner United States title.
Someone told me he simply asked to be able to get a new car. But the deal fell through. Sorry, Tony. Thanks for the memories.
this has most likely been said before but i think he looks like that guy from the green mile movie.
Tony Atlas is a class act
He's the best of all time wrestlers Tony Atlas
Actually its BOTH. Dory is on the left of Harley Race and Terry is on the right.
tony atlas is the man
Harley Race looks like a fucking badass in that poster back there.
actually its Dory Funk Jr, Terry's brother.
Look ma saba simba lol gotta love Tony ! 🤣
Don't know why WWE had to release Tony...they shoulda just brought him in as a commentator on Raw, and had him do his laugh every time Michael Cole made a joke about JR's weight =D
he's a good guy man. promoters should cu him some slack
I remember it being longer than a month myself.
he wrestled up to 2010?
@Batony lol hey man, you need to look up Tony Atlas vs Ken Patera
Tony seems like a likable guy. I just noticed, though... I don't see his eyebrows.
Class!
I wonder who would win a spelling contest between him and kamala...lol both humble men....I like his Mr. USA gimmick best...Kamala's gimmick was awesome though, especially as a heel.
I know, I replied to my own post correcting myself. lol
My point is, Tony is speaking very well of an organization that handed him a racist gimmick, and then fired him because the fans didn't like the gimmick. Tony is either the nicest person on the planet, or he's learned over the years not to burn his bridges behind him no matter how unpleasant the experience was because, just like before, Vince can make it so that Tony can't find work ANYWHERE in pro wrestling.
He seems like a legit nice guy, but Tony Atlas' head was always full of rocks.
That's because Lexa always stomps him on his head xd
He really is a nice legit guy, He's also a legit tough guy too, He knocked shit out of the Rocks father Rocky Johnston
A man rambling along with no coherent structure in his speech is not a great interview.
@Steve Hammer- You're a piece of crap! Troll, shut it!
@johnsmdm
That ain't Bob Orton that's a young Terry Funk....
That is not Bob Orton its Terry Funk
Poor Tony has all the loyalty of an abused dog. WWF gave him that awful Saba Simba gimmick even after he'd been one of their biggest stars but he sees nothing wrong with how he was treated.
I could be very ignorant here, I hadn't seen Atlas on the WWF probably since 1982. What does he mean he was released now in 2010? What was he in the minors? No disrespect, as a little WHITE KID in the early 80's him and Rocky Johnson were my favorites, especially against the Samoan tag team. I am just confused on how the WWE released him in 2010.
Kenneth M showing time
I like Tony Atlas. But I never felt that he had reached any kind of legend status.
like to see him go to tna
Hey Tony! You do realize that you're using a Christmas reference with a Jewish man, right? Tony left WWF in the mid-80s and upon his WWF return, Vince had Tony come out as "Saba Simba" wearing a feather-covered faux African tribal headdress and carrying a shield and a spear. Not only that, but he had Tony DANCE his way to the ring, and on mic Vince claimed Tony had "rediscovered" his roots! I've been to Roanoke, and I don't think they carry spears there. They fired Tony a month later.
did madea steal this mans voice?
They really shoudn't let Atas speak,it's kinda embarrassing how muddled his thoughts are.
As a black man, to hear this man speak is sad. I have to listen some old "Bad News Brown" interviews to get this dunce horrible english out of my mind.
Tony Atlas was down and out when Vince McMahon rechristened him as "Saba Simba" back in 1990.The character was obviously racial and purposely directed at him,but he didn't care because he was just glad to have a job again.
wasnt he saba simba
darren guy Unfortunately, yes.
darren guy Yes. Back about 1990 or 1991.
And from what I heard he hated it but it was a paycheque.
That's Dory Funk Jr!
He seems like a nice guy, just simple minded and unsavvy, unfortunately, those three elements are essentials in the wrestling business (especially if you're black, you must be on your A game in such a bigoted line of work). If you're too nice in wrestling, if you're uneducated, and if you are a poor business person...you're lucky to make it as far as Mr. Atlas did.
+Chris Booker tony made a lot of $$$ back in his day and blew it. not sure if he made enough scratch to flat out retire at age 40 or 45 but he was not savvy with his money. i'm glad WWF/E brought him back. hopefully tony has socked some money away now
+Chris Booker sadly you are so right,Vince has exploited all black wrestlers,no one comes to mind as much as Kamala,some day Vince is going to get what he deserves,call it karma or divine justice,but noone leaves this world with out paying and Vince has a lot to pay for.
+postaltraining drugs ate his money. That's the only way. He talked about using steroids back in the day.
Celina Dao agree. i hope he's in a much better position now and has been able to sock some money away.
WWF should really offer a pension system for these long time guys.
Have to agree with that. Tony is just a country boy from rural Virginia. Overmatched against people like McMahon. Tony used to work out at a gym in Hamden, CT as all the other WWF pro's from 1979 to the mid 1980's. Tony was nice to the regulars at the gym. He was strong as heck. One day I saw him do a set of 10 @ 405 then a single of 500 on the flat bench.
lol Tony, old black man are completely awesome I don't think I've ever met one that isn't just saying hilarious stuff
He doesn't sound any worse than Dusty Rhodes.
@don417 to help put some money in his pockets so he can eat dinner, that's why...what kind of question is that...chump...Tony helped BUILD this business and his bank account should reflect that but it doesn't.
tony just had trouble speaking in all of his promos
it's called an accent
what is he eating?
apologies, Terry is behind Tony's head.
I never figured out why they brought this relic back to begin with.
@molbaritone the only real give away was the NWA belt....
iron sheik make him humble
won't ,ain't or not
@dustyflair He looks like he hasn't missed a buffet in 20 yrs.
I think Vince cause Ol Tony smoking crack once again and he fired his ass once again!
Atlas never had that special speaking charm either goodguy or badguy like Booker T.
@TakeAShowerStinky i agree with this comment.
Charles robinson in the bakcgrOUnd n shit lmao.
That s sad,not to have a plan for the future,poor Tony,that s sadly pathetic.
@Batony I honestly think he has a speech impediment.
I think Tony's been hittin' dat pipe!
I guess so
afidiated?
new japan,all japan,noah oh they wrestle the wwe don't lol
i herd tony atlas has a foot fetish
Really! How can you honestly say that? Speaking english Properly or not, does not make you any more/ less intelligent than if he only spoke spanish,french, german etc. Or what if he only spoke a language from africa? Would he be any less intelligent. Fyi from reading your comments. "check ya Gramma Bro." You actually should be a lil more compassionate and understanding. I would figure...Or are you not familiar with History. Keep in mind. Southern whites taught southern blacks how to speak....
terry funk