WWE History Vol. 10: Bring on the big guys

#7 One Man Gang/Akeem the African Dream

Akeem the African Dream, also known as One Man Gang.

Real Name: George Gray

Active years: 1977-still active on the indie scene.

Height and Weight: 6' 6" 380lbs (Billed at six foot nine and 450 lbs.)

Signature Move: As Gang: Gordbuster. As Akeem: 747 Splash.

George Gray got his start in the pro wrestling business in the late 1970s. Working his way up through the indies, he replaced an injured Terry Gordy in a match and won the UWF World Heavyweight championship. At one time, the UWF was considered a rival for both the NWA and WWE, making this an elite wrestling accolade.

It took Gray nearly ten years to make it to WWE, but when he did he made an instant splash. He was disqualified from the WWE World title tournament at Wrestlemania IV, and then went on an extensive feud with Bam Bam Bigelow.

Over time, his manager Slick claimed that Gang was secretly of African descent, and he was repackaged as Akeem the African Dream. Ironically, he was more visible and successful as the new character, even though many fans and critics didn't care much for it.

He eventually joined WCW as One Man Gang, but didn't accomplish much there other than jobbing to Hulk Hogan. However, wrestling as Akeem, he still has a presence on the indie scene and is one of the most cheerful and sociable wrestling legends you'd care to meet.

Gang isn't in the WWE Hall of Fame yet, but his contributions to the wrestling world seem to make his inclusion inevitable.