For fans who grew up during WWE’s New Generation era, Ahmed Johnson’s name still carries weight.
Bursting onto the scene in 1995, Johnson (real name Tony Norris) quickly became one of the most physically dominant competitors on the roster. His explosive style and sheer power made him a standout at a time when WWE was in transition, bridging the gap between the larger-than-life 1980s and the attitude-driven late ’90s.
Johnson’s biggest milestone came at King of the Ring in 1996, when he defeated Goldust to capture the Intercontinental Championship. In doing so, he made history as the first Black man to hold that title in WWE.
His reign cemented him as a groundbreaking figure, and he soon found himself in high-profile feuds with Faarooq, Vader, and other top stars. Johnson’s intensity was undeniable, and his presence in several pay-per-view main events showed just how quickly he had risen through the ranks.
Although his WWE run was relatively short, ending in early 1998, his impact has lasted far longer. After leaving the company, Johnson stepped away from the ring almost entirely, with only a handful of convention appearances keeping him connected to fans.
That legacy made headlines again this past week, though under far different circumstances. According to Newsweek, on September 29, Johnson was involved in a serious car accident when a drunk driver collided with his vehicle. Thankfully, he walked away without injury.
The update came via the “Book Pro Wrestlers” Facebook page, where Johnson shared a short but powerful message: “When you have the Lord on your side, nothing can harm you.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving remains a leading cause of road fatalities in the United States, claiming more than 13,000 lives in 2022 alone. That averages out to one person killed every 39 minutes in alcohol-related crashes.
Johnson’s survival highlights just how fortunate he was to escape unharmed in a situation that far too often ends in tragedy.