Next weekend, WrestleMania will take center stage on April 19th and 20th, and as part of this exciting weekend, another major event is happening: the WWE Hall of Fame inductions.
This year’s inductees include legendary names like Triple H, Lex Luger, and The Natural Disasters. One special name on this list is James “Kamala” Harris, the Ugandan Giant, whose connection to Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas is an important part of his wrestling legacy.
Kamala’s Connection to Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas
Before becoming the famous Kamala the Ugandan Giant, James Harris had a tough upbringing. He was born in Mississippi, where he worked as a sharecropper from a young age to support his family. Sadly, he fell into a life of crime for a while.
However, things changed when he met Bobo Brazil, a well-known professional wrestler, who helped him turn his life around. Bobo moved James to Arkansas to train as a wrestler, which marked the start of his wrestling career.
James began working for the NWA Tri-State territory, which included areas like Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. At this time, he was known as “Sugar Bear Harris” and won several titles, including the NWA Tri-State Tag Team Championship. He was even managed by Percy Pringle, who later became known as Paul Bearer in WWE.
After bouncing around various wrestling territories, James reached Memphis and adopted the now-famous character Kamala, also known as ‘The Ugandan Headhunter’. His career took off in Louisiana, and his rise in wrestling began.
Kamala’s Big Break in Mid-South Wrestling
Kamala’s time in Mid-South Wrestling (previously known as NWA Tri-State) was a game-changer. This is where he truly became a star.
He joined the Devastation Inc. stable, led by Skandor Akbar, alongside other legends like Abdullah the Butcher and Greg Valentine. Kamala’s battles with Andre the Giant and Junkyard Dog were some of the most memorable feuds of his career.
One standout moment came in April 1983, when Kamala faced Andre the Giant in the Louisiana Superdome. Kamala even became one of the first wrestlers to body slam Andre the Giant, a feat that would later be famously done by Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania.
Kamala’s WWE Success
Kamala’s career reached new heights after Andre the Giant recommended him to the WWF in 1986. That year, Kamala joined the biggest wrestling promotion in the world, and his fame skyrocketed. His feuds with stars like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker helped him become a household name.
Kamala even had a Main Event match against Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship. Although Hogan didn’t beat Kamala clean in the ring, their match ended in a double count out, showing Kamala’s strength as a competitor.
Kamala’s Legacy in Wrestling
Kamala didn’t just succeed in the territories. He was a star in WWF, WCW, and beyond. His iconic matches, including his rivalries with Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, secured his place in wrestling history. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is a recognition of his hard work and legendary status in the world of professional wrestling.
Sadly, Kamala passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. He had been battling diabetes and other serious health issues for years. Although he’s no longer here to enjoy this moment, his family is deeply grateful for the honor, and this induction means a lot to them.
Kamala’s Family Responds to His WWE Hall of Fame Induction
The induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is a proud moment for Kamala’s family, and their statement about his legacy reflects the deep emotions surrounding this honor. While it’s heartbreaking that Kamala won’t be around to witness it, his legacy will live on in the wrestling world forever.
