Report: WWE parts ways with Simmons


TSN.ca Staff
3/18/2004

Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer reports that World Wrestling Entertainment has parted ways with long-time superstar Ron Simmons.

There has been no official statement from WWE.

Simmons, the greatest defender in Florida State's history and FSU's first two-time consensus All-American nose guard (1978-1979), anchored the center of the defense that took FSU to a pair of Orange Bowl appearances in 1979 and 1980, resulting in FSU's highest national rankings ever at that time.  

During his career, Ron totaled 25 quarterback sacks and 44 tackles for loss - both Seminole Records.  He is the lone Seminole Defender to have his number (50) retired.  Ron was inducted to the Seminole Hall of Fame in 1986.

After five seasons of professional football - three with the Canadian Football Leagues Ottawa Rough Riders and two with the USFLs Tampa Bay Bandits - the former Florida State All-America noseguard made his WWE debut in 1996 with manager Sunny as the newest rival for superstar Ahmed Johnson.

Though he never succeeded as a main event-level performer, Simmons formed a popular tag-team with fellow superstar Bradshaw as the beer-drinking, cigar-smoking Acolytes Protection Agency (APA) and was regarded backstage as a locker room leader.

More to follow.

He was let got for "personal reasons"