The fact that this dude not only waited to get food at closing from a dumpster, but genuinely SHARED with other homeless people, is a testament to this man's character, and I dare say part (not all of it, there's a TON of variables with homelessness) of the reason he got out of it. That attitude of giving, regardless of his professional career and skill, is something very few people consciously do in tight situations like that.
I separated from my ex wife in 2006 and for the next 8 years I was homeless. She got everything plus the kids and child support. I'm just getting back on my feet. I understand Tony Atlas' situation back then.
wow that story is beyond amazing and very uplifting. i have nothing but huge respect for Tony Atlas. i would love to see WWE do a full documentary on him.
Wow, what a story; can't imagine being homeless like that. That woman is his guardian angel. And thank goodness for that second WWF run; I didn't realize he was homeless before Saba Simba.
Class act Tony is!! I remember standing backstage in 1978 at the WBBG BODYBUILIN SHOW. Standing next to him. I was in the Teen Mr. America and he was in the Mr. America.
This guy just makes you want to cry. So from the heart. I actually saw him wrestle last year. I wish I would have known what kind of a person he was. I definitely would have went over and shook his hand.
God Bless this man he seems like such a sweet kind person who deserves everything good in life to happen to him. Thank you so much for posting this video. Take Care.
Tony, thank you for lighting my candle...You were a influence in my life, at 55, Judo, Wrestled in High school, 36 years in Judo, Running, Muay Thai kickboxing, weightlifting, conditioning and still going!!
First of all that lady was a angel send from God to be there in Tony's life at his lowest stage in life, and she most be amazing women too not hesitate or have any fear. She saved his life. Second, Tony u can tell is a great down to earth Christian man who did right thing marrying that women, cuz let me tell you something brother it's hard to find women like that so I'm happy he married her cuz u don't let a diamond slip away...
Damn, the last thing I saw was Tony saying he was broke and penniless. I'm very glad to know he's doing alright now. I was very fortunate to see him in WWF and when he was doing the Maine circuit. Caught the very last show in Mass before Vince bought the company.
This has got to be one of the best stories i ever heard. Thank you, Hannibal. Who would have thought that as a kid jumping up on my couch and cheering for Mr USA n Rocky Johnson all this happened...
Tony Atlas, if I would have seen you homeless I would have taken you in. I remember I first started watching wrestling, you and Rocky Johnson and Chief Wahoo and others were some of the first people I ever saw. You're one of my first heroes in pro wrestling. I'm glad that you look healthy. I hope you're doing much better.
Tony Atlas my brother I know how it is to be homeless and it is the pits but one by one I got myself together to get out of it. I am glad to see you back on your feet and doing well.
Bless those women. If only we all could all be so selfless. That's why my family has a sticker on our door window saying 'If you're in need of a warm meal or place to stay, you're welcome as long as you don't plan to prey'.
I remember watching Tony in ICW, show would be on in Boston after school most days for a while, he was the champ, saw him live too around this time. Had no idea he was homeless or just getting his feet back under him at that point, he looked smaller than usual, but still looked fucking great.
oh Tony i been there where you was homeless and hit rock bottom etc i feel the pain and know how it feels all too well, it me awhile but by the grace of God he pulled me out.you are awesome and still to this day no doubt about it 😎 cool breeze
WOW! I had no idea what had happened to Tony. He's from my hometown, we went to the same High School although he's a good bit older than me. I remember in 1988 I believe it was, he came by the H.S. after just receiving the Key To The City (Roanoke, VA). I was always proud that Tony came from Roanoke but I had no idea how bad his life had gone. . .I'm happy he's doing well now, and I'm a man of God too, so I'll pray for him and Monica.
I worked out at Doc's gym in Atlanta in the late 70s - early 80s with Tony, Les Thornton, Paul Orndorff, Ric Flair and many others of that era. I was 16 or so when I met them. They shared their knowledge of working out and a lot of times would adopt you as a spotter/work out partner when they needed. Those were great crazy times.
I keep learning the pieces of this mans life, if someone should be inducted a second time into the hall of fame, this man should. Although his upbringing was hard, to say the least, his mother and grandmother brought up a very decent human being. Then along came Monika, a woman with a beautiful heart, Tony fell in love with her because she loved him first, for no reason what so ever except he needed held. What a blessed life he has lived, even during his homeless days he helped other. He used to rob other homeless of their drug money, buy food, cook a huge pot of stew or something and feed everyone including the guy he took the money off. Such a good man who should have been a wrestling superstar, watch his old matches whether he got put over or the other guy did his performance was spectacular.
great story.. I can see in his eyes how genuine and straight up this dude is. Good for him...never forget the people that gave you a hand up and always pay it forward.
I would say Tony is blessed. If you have a person like Tony does he is blessed. I would say I’m blessed too cause I have a woman who is my best friend and is my guardian angel and I am so thankful for her
So..... His first wife took him for his money and he ended up homeless for a year and a half Then He gets married again??? She sounds like a decent woman this Monica woman so maybe it’s meant to last after 30 years.
That's because the first time he was married, he thought he was forever going to be a star in the business, he's said how he got big-headed and thought he was indispensable and unstoppable. His 1st wife didn't really take him, he cheated. But the second time, brought down to as low as one can go, he knew not to make the same mistakes as before.
Wow, what a story. I never knew what ever happened to Tony Atlas until now. I met Tony Atlas once years ago, I was a little kid then in the city of Raleigh North Carolina. Growing up in Raleigh, I had a few favorite hang outs. My oldest brother worked as a cinematographer where the wrestlings was shot, he would sneak me into the studio from time to time to see the wrestlings live. I saw many of these guys entering the studio. Another of my favorite hangouts was the drug store right behind the studio. I would go into the drug store buy a coke and go sit by the magazine rack in my favorite spot and read. One evening, I happened to pick up a wrestling magazine and began to read. As I sat reading the spot seemed to go dimmer, as if something was blocking the light. I looked up to see the biggest human being i've ever seen in my entire life,I remember seeing huge arms. The light behind his head made me unable to see a face right away, I heard a voice asking, whatchu readin lil man? I was startled, I was a very shy little boy. He then moved out of the light and I couldn't belive my own eyes, Tony Atlas himself. I showed him the magazine, collected myself, then I ask , are you in this one? To which he replied no. I ask why not? he looked at me and pointed to his skin and said" causa dis ritechere,(This right here) I shook his huge hand as he turned to go. I never forgot about this. That's why I think it's very important that celebrities carry themselves well. I was probably about 10 or eleven and although short the encounter, it made a lasting impression on me to this day. God bless Tony Atlas where ever he is today.
I found my dad by calling the police in his town. My Dad said. "Son dont ever so that again". I said Dad don't ever not call for 10 years again. Now hes deceased. Glad I found him we had 3 good years . We probably talked 20 times on the phone and seen each other once along with 2 of my daughters. 2 he met 2 he didn't. RIP Joseph Alberto Russo Jr. Cranston RI
Woww!!!! Thanks for sharing that testimony gave me chills 💗💗💗💗❤️ God bless you brother, I watched u when I was younger. Never knew you went through that Mann. But great story and love the ending....
I knew I was gonna cry. Tony Bologny. I'm sorry that struggle happened but strangely we wouldnt went to erase it. But I am still madd at the folk that left you stranded. You could've lived with us. Tony.
story bought me a man tear. never knew Tony had been through so much before that Saba Simba Run. when you've done one thing for so long and find out later in life you don't have any skills to do anything else is hard.. been there
God Bless you Tony & for entertaining us over the years. For all the dark days you went through, your very interesting to listen to w all the stories you have! 🏋️💪👊👍✌️
AWESOME story. I had the pleasure of meeting Tony Atlas as a 12yr old wrestling fan in 1983 and he was so cool. He was clocking my mom and was telling her to go for it but she didn't. lol He might have been my step dad. lol Remember as kids we all used to say that a popular wrestler was our dad but this could have really happened only if i had pimped out my mom. lmao. Mom on the other hand wouldn't take what i just typed to kindly. She told me that night that he was staring at her and i asked why she didn't respond and she said she didn't know who he was and she wasn't interested and i was like WHAT! lol I did get an autograph from SD jones that night and got to chat with Tito Santana and Pedro Morales while my good friend got cursed out by Mr. Fuji. lol It was cool when WWWF/WWF used to do the local church bingo halls. Anyone remember those days?
Tony Atlas is definitely the realest MAN to EVER step in a wrestling ring. I know fans hear about some certified tough guys, but this MAN is the toughest in my book.
Amazing story. Would love to hear Vince's side of it but we'll never get that I'm sure. Vince must have gotten wind of Tony's situation and put together the Saba Simba gimmick to help him out, I'd guess.
The fact that this dude not only waited to get food at closing from a dumpster, but genuinely SHARED with other homeless people, is a testament to this man's character, and I dare say part (not all of it, there's a TON of variables with homelessness) of the reason he got out of it. That attitude of giving, regardless of his professional career and skill, is something very few people consciously do in tight situations like that.
AMEN
I never share.
Nicely stated.
@@stza16 I'd still share with you.
I couldn’t agree more
I separated from my ex wife in 2006 and for the next 8 years I was homeless. She got everything plus the kids and child support. I'm just getting back on my feet. I understand Tony Atlas' situation back then.
A good case for using a prenuptial agreement.
A, best of luck to u, brother. These chicks could really be ruthless sometimes. F Animals... Hang in there
NightWarriorAlive unfortunately, most judges just shit on those pieces of paper. Well, unless ur a girl. Then they honor that shit. Believe it
Hmmm, well then, perhaps have separate bank accounts.
I Know how you feel. I lost everything three times. He found a good women and I just found a good women.
wow that story is beyond amazing and very uplifting. i have nothing but huge respect for Tony Atlas. i would love to see WWE do a full documentary on him.
WOW what a story. That lady was sent by god.
Your CORRECT
@andre carter
No. She is more than just decent.
we all fall short of the glory and god is one of second and third chances...
She was sent by God
he's a liar!!
this is what marriage does to a guy, that woman who saved him though was a guardian angel
Wow, what a story; can't imagine being homeless like that. That woman is his guardian angel. And thank goodness for that second WWF run; I didn't realize he was homeless before Saba Simba.
I watched this, told my wife the story and came back to watch it again. So happy for Mr. USA!
OMG, what a story. Wish you all the best Tony.
Class act Tony is!! I remember standing backstage in 1978 at the WBBG BODYBUILIN SHOW. Standing next to him. I was in the Teen Mr. America and he was in the Mr. America.
Tony all I can say is you are a good person and good things happen for good people...Nice guys don't always finish last.
This guy just makes you want to cry. So from the heart. I actually saw him wrestle last year. I wish I would have known what kind of a person he was. I definitely would have went over and shook his hand.
I always found it crazy how people have a problem with someone having something that's being thrown away.
I became homeless in the sense I had no place to call my own, but I fought thru and thank God I am in a good place...
God Bless this man he seems like such a sweet kind person who deserves everything good in life to happen to him. Thank you so much for posting this video. Take Care.
Wow..what a story. And this has got to be Hannibal's best shoot
There is going to be a part 2 when he comes to wrestle for GNW May 25 in Pembroke ON and we will also be recording a seminar with him that day.
Wow.. what a story
Tony, thank you for lighting my candle...You were a influence in my life, at 55, Judo, Wrestled in High school, 36 years in Judo, Running, Muay Thai kickboxing, weightlifting, conditioning and still going!!
First of all that lady was a angel send from God to be there in Tony's life at his lowest stage in life, and she most be amazing women too not hesitate or have any fear. She saved his life. Second, Tony u can tell is a great down to earth Christian man who did right thing marrying that women, cuz let me tell you something brother it's hard to find women like that so I'm happy he married her cuz u don't let a diamond slip away...
Tony was my favorite as a kid. I have enjoyed these few clips so much. Tony still seems like an all American hero.
Wow, what an amazing story! Man, I grew up watching Tony Atlas and am glad he is still with us!
philaman1972 Me too!
Damn, the last thing I saw was Tony saying he was broke and penniless. I'm very glad to know he's doing alright now. I was very fortunate to see him in WWF and when he was doing the Maine circuit. Caught the very last show in Mass before Vince bought the company.
The last five seconds of that interview made me cry
This has got to be one of the best stories i ever heard. Thank you, Hannibal. Who would have thought that as a kid jumping up on my couch and cheering for Mr USA n Rocky Johnson all this happened...
Tony Atlas is just an honest and genuine human being. I wish there was more people like Tony.
Tony is kool in my book
Seem like a real genuine dude
Tony Atlas, if I would have seen you homeless I would have taken you in. I remember I first started watching wrestling, you and Rocky Johnson and Chief Wahoo and others were some of the first people I ever saw. You're one of my first heroes in pro wrestling. I'm glad that you look healthy. I hope you're doing much better.
You’re a great guy Tony! I remember watching you on True Life damn near 20 years ago!
Atlas had the Lord on his side and was sent an angel to save him
One of the best stories ever!!!
Well, I feel better about that Samba Simba gimmick now.
I know right!?
Tony is blessed to make it all this way in life
That was the absolute most amazing story I have ever heard. Tony’s German wife is amazing
Tony has an amazing story someone should turn it into a movie
Tony Atlas my brother I know how it is to be homeless and it is the pits but one by one I got myself together to get out of it. I am glad to see you back on your feet and doing well.
What a heart warming story almost like a film
Tony Atlas has lead a crazy life.
What an uplifting story. Brilliant!
What a woman. At his worst moment this woman helped him. True love.
An absolutely amazing story....with a great ending.
god bless tony atlas , ... and this german woman for finding him . and restoring his spirt and soul.. god bless their marriage..praise god
Bless those women.
If only we all could all be so selfless.
That's why my family has a sticker on our door window saying 'If you're in need of a warm meal or place to stay, you're welcome as long as you don't plan to prey'.
My bad on the grammar.
I remember watching Tony in ICW, show would be on in Boston after school most days for a while, he was the champ, saw him live too around this time. Had no idea he was homeless or just getting his feet back under him at that point, he looked smaller than usual, but still looked fucking great.
I kind of love this man
I must say that was a heart warming story in my opinion people like Tony's wife and of course Tony make the world a better place
A great story of inspiration. There are still good people in the this world.
oh Tony i been there where you was homeless and hit rock bottom etc i feel the pain and know how it feels all too well, it me awhile but by the grace of God he pulled me out.you are awesome and still to this day no doubt about it 😎 cool breeze
Man I hope I never find myself homeless, poor bloke.
It's not coo at all!
What a real man to say this he swallow all his pride,can see he is a genuine person 💯🙌🙌
WOW! I had no idea what had happened to Tony. He's from my hometown, we went to the same High School although he's a good bit older than me. I remember in 1988 I believe it was, he came by the H.S. after just receiving the Key To The City (Roanoke, VA). I was always proud that Tony came from Roanoke but I had no idea how bad his life had gone. . .I'm happy he's doing well now, and I'm a man of God too, so I'll pray for him and Monica.
I worked out at Doc's gym in Atlanta in the late 70s - early 80s with Tony, Les Thornton, Paul Orndorff, Ric Flair and many others of that era. I was 16 or so when I met them. They shared their knowledge of working out and a lot of times would adopt you as a spotter/work out partner when they needed. Those were great crazy times.
I keep learning the pieces of this mans life, if someone should be inducted a second time into the hall of fame, this man should. Although his upbringing was hard, to say the least, his mother and grandmother brought up a very decent human being. Then along came Monika, a woman with a beautiful heart, Tony fell in love with her because she loved him first, for no reason what so ever except he needed held. What a blessed life he has lived, even during his homeless days he helped other. He used to rob other homeless of their drug money, buy food, cook a huge pot of stew or something and feed everyone including the guy he took the money off. Such a good man who should have been a wrestling superstar, watch his old matches whether he got put over or the other guy did his performance was spectacular.
Wow that ending was a suprising turn. Tony Atlas a real one 💯
Women hide from and detest the term "helpmeet" but that's what a wife truly is.
This is the most amazing story!! Incredible!
great story.. I can see in his eyes how genuine and straight up this dude is. Good for him...never forget the people that gave you a hand up and always pay it forward.
I hope to meet Mr. Atlas one day! What an amazing man and deserves all the good! One of my heroes!
That is such an amazing story. God bless Tony Atlas.
Great story by Tony
Thank you Monica,
and Thank you Tony for the inspiration and the memories....
What an awesome story! I never knew this about Tony. He seems like a great person.
Wow!! The end was great!! This should be a movie!! What A great story
I would say Tony is blessed. If you have a person like Tony does he is blessed.
I would say I’m blessed too cause I have a woman who is my best friend and is my guardian angel and I am so thankful for her
VERY INSPIRATIONAL MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE BOTH OF YOU MR. ATLAS
So.....
His first wife took him for his money and he ended up homeless for a year and a half
Then
He gets married again???
She sounds like a decent woman this Monica woman so maybe it’s meant to last after 30 years.
That's because the first time he was married, he thought he was forever going to be a star in the business, he's said how he got big-headed and thought he was indispensable and unstoppable.
His 1st wife didn't really take him,
he cheated.
But the second time, brought down to as low as one can go, he knew not to make the same mistakes as before.
Wow, what a story. I never knew what ever happened to Tony Atlas until now. I met Tony Atlas once years ago, I was a little kid then in the city of Raleigh North Carolina. Growing up in Raleigh, I had a few favorite hang outs. My oldest brother worked as a cinematographer where the wrestlings was shot, he would sneak me into the studio from time to time to see the wrestlings live. I saw many of these guys entering the studio. Another of my favorite hangouts was the drug store right behind the studio. I would go into the drug store buy a coke and go sit by the magazine rack in my favorite spot and read. One evening, I happened to pick up a wrestling magazine and began to read. As I sat reading the spot seemed to go dimmer, as if something was blocking the light. I looked up to see the biggest human being i've ever seen in my entire life,I remember seeing huge arms. The light behind his head made me unable to see a face right away, I heard a voice asking, whatchu readin lil man? I was startled, I was a very shy little boy. He then moved out of the light and I couldn't belive my own eyes, Tony Atlas himself. I showed him the magazine, collected myself, then I ask , are you in this one? To which he replied no. I ask why not? he looked at me and pointed to his skin and said" causa dis ritechere,(This right here) I shook his huge hand as he turned to go. I never forgot about this. That's why I think it's very important that celebrities carry themselves well. I was probably about 10 or eleven and although short the encounter, it made a lasting impression on me to this day. God bless Tony Atlas where ever he is today.
This guy is SO BRUTALLY HONEST!!!!
I found my dad by calling the police in his town. My Dad said. "Son dont ever so that again". I said Dad don't ever not call for 10 years again. Now hes deceased. Glad I found him we had 3 good years . We probably talked 20 times on the phone and seen each other once along with 2 of my daughters. 2 he met 2 he didn't. RIP Joseph Alberto Russo Jr. Cranston RI
Fucking Hell that Monika is a saint
What an amazing story !!! Good for you Tony.
Woww!!!! Thanks for sharing that testimony gave me chills 💗💗💗💗❤️ God bless you brother, I watched u when I was younger.
Never knew you went through that Mann. But great story and love the ending....
THAT was one of the most AMAZING stories I have EVER heard
Peace, Mr. Altas.
God Tony is a really lovely bloke
God bless -tony atlas 🙏!
He is a great person
What an amazing story! He married the Lady who saved his life!
Tony is the reason I started to train body building when I was 17
He was a couple with Rocky Johnson.
At the W.W.Federation.
Wow , that is a survivor and legend! He was lucky to meet an incredible woman! How many women would do what she did ?? One in a million!!
Tony is a good man I'm glad things worked out for him
God bless you tony i can listen to him talk for hours and have, that may be one of the greatest stories ever told
Of course, he married her! Amazing story.
Great story very heartwarming
I knew I was gonna cry. Tony Bologny. I'm sorry that struggle happened but strangely we wouldnt went to erase it. But I am still madd at the folk that left you stranded. You could've lived with us. Tony.
Nobody but GOD.... The LORD is still Blessing... Thank you for that testamony Tony...
Huh...there’s me thinking it was Monika that saved his life
There is no God
@@FDSixtyNine sure devil
Actually an amazing love story .
story bought me a man tear. never knew Tony had been through so much before that Saba Simba Run. when you've done one thing for so long and find out later in life you don't have any skills to do anything else is hard.. been there
Amazing story, just amazing.
God Bless you Tony & for entertaining us over the years. For all the dark days you went through, your very interesting to listen to w all the stories you have! 🏋️💪👊👍✌️
In my Ron Simmons Voice. Damn!
AWESOME story. I had the pleasure of meeting Tony Atlas as a 12yr old wrestling fan in 1983 and he was so cool. He was clocking my mom and was telling her to go for it but she didn't. lol He might have been my step dad. lol Remember as kids we all used to say that a popular wrestler was our dad but this could have really happened only if i had pimped out my mom. lmao. Mom on the other hand wouldn't take what i just typed to kindly. She told me that night that he was staring at her and i asked why she didn't respond and she said she didn't know who he was and she wasn't interested and i was like WHAT! lol I did get an autograph from SD jones that night and got to chat with Tito Santana and Pedro Morales while my good friend got cursed out by Mr. Fuji. lol It was cool when WWWF/WWF used to do the local church bingo halls. Anyone remember those days?
Monica = Angel
What a great story! You can tell he enjoys life , and is just great person.
Always liked you I’m sorry to hear that you went through so much, but God is good much blessings for you and your wife
Mr Tony i been in and out of homelessness i keep wrestling in my heart and i keep a picture that took in everett rec center up for my family to see
You are definitely blessed sir plus after helping brody out in Puerto Rico looks like he was paying you back as well kudos
Great story!❤
Wow! This is a story that should be made into a movie...Just when I was ready to hate Vince,he goes & does right by Tony.
Inspiring!
Wow Great interview 👍
Oh wow what an amazing story. Some people in the world have good hearts still
That woman is a gem, I felt really inspired.
Amen Bro Tony.. God has indeed blessed you brother! Mad respect for you sir
Tony Atlas is definitely the realest MAN to EVER step in a wrestling ring. I know fans hear about some certified tough guys, but this MAN is the toughest in my book.
Amazing story. Would love to hear Vince's side of it but we'll never get that I'm sure. Vince must have gotten wind of Tony's situation and put together the Saba Simba gimmick to help him out, I'd guess.