history when they defeated the Wild Samoans on Dec. 10, 1983, according to World Wrestling Entertainment, which released a video clip of some of Mr. Johnson’s highlights on Wednesday. In an interview with thehannibaltv.com, Mr. Johnson recalled the many successes he had in a career that took him around the world, but said there was also racism in professional wrestling, “then as it is now.”“Now, it’s more covered up,” Mr. Johnson said in the interview. “But there was a lot.”Mr. Johnson said he fought against such prejudice, refusing to take part in some degrading performances. I came in as an athlete, and I’ll leave as an athlete.’ And they respected me for that.”When his son showed an interest in wrestling, Mr. Johnson said, he offered to train him. “‘I’m going to train you 150 percent,’” Mr. Johnson recalled telling his son, in the interview with thehannibaltv.com.

Source: New York Times January 16, 2020 03:19 UTC