History of Kamala (wrestler) in Timeline
"Kamala" (James Arthur Harris) was an American professional wrestler known for his character, "The Ugandan Giant." His persona was a fearsome, simpleminded Ugandan who wrestled barefoot in a loincloth, with war paint, and carrying a spear and shield. He wrestled for the World Wrestling Federation between 1984 and 2006.
May 28, 1950: Birth of James Arthur Harris
James Arthur Harris, who would later be known as the wrestler Kamala, was born on May 28, 1950.
1967: Relocation and Career Shift
In 1967, facing legal trouble, Harris relocated to Florida, where he took on jobs as a truck driver and fruit picker. This marked a turning point in his life before entering wrestling.
1974: First Marriage
Harris married Clara Freeman in 1974.
1978: Debut as "Sugar Bear" Harris
Harris began his professional wrestling career in 1978, adopting the ring name "Sugar Bear" Harris. This marked the beginning of his journey in the wrestling world.
1979: NWA Tri-State Tag Team Championship Victory
Harris, alongside Oki Shikina, achieved his first championship win in 1979. They secured the NWA Tri-State Tag Team Championship, marking an early milestone in his career.
1980: Southeastern Championship Wrestling and Championship Win
Joining Southeastern Championship Wrestling as "Bad News" Harris in 1980, Harris achieved another significant win by securing the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship.
June 1981: WWA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament
In June 1981, Harris, wrestling as "The Mississippi Mauler," competed in the WWA World Heavyweight Championship tournament. He reached the final but lost to Wayne Bridges in London's Wembley Arena.
May 1982: Birth of Kamala
In May 1982, Harris debuted his now-famous "Kamala" persona in the CWA, managed by J.J. Dillon. The character was a fearsome Ugandan headhunter inspired by the artwork of Frank Frazetta. He would lose his debut match to Jerry Lawler by disqualification in a sold-out Mid-South Coliseum.
1982: Joining Mid-South Wrestling and Devastation, Inc.
By late 1982, Kamala joined Mid-South Wrestling under the management of Skandor Akbar. He became a part of the formidable Devastation, Inc. stable, further solidifying his villainous persona.
March 1983: Debut in World Class Championship Wrestling
Kamala's career reached new heights in March 1983 when he debuted in the World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) promotion based in Dallas, Texas.
April 1983: WrestleMania Showdown at the Superdome
In a highly anticipated event in April 1983, Kamala, managed by Skandor Akbar, faced the legendary André the Giant at the Louisiana Superdome. This match was a testament to Kamala's growing prominence in the wrestling world.
May 1984: Facing The Great Kabuki at the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
In a somber yet significant event, Kamala faced The Great Kabuki at the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions in May 1984, honoring the deceased wrestler David Von Erich.
July 1984: WWF Debut Under André the Giant's Influence
Responding to the urging of André the Giant, Kamala entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in July 1984. He was managed by Freddie Blassie and a "handler" known as "Friday."
August 1984: WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match
In August 1984, Kamala challenged Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. The match ended in a draw, showcasing Kamala's strength against a top WWF star.
October 1984: Showdown with André the Giant
Kamala's rivalry with André the Giant intensified in October 1984, culminating in a series of matches, including a memorable steel cage match.
November 1984: Kamala's First WWF Stint Ends
Kamala's initial run with the WWF concluded in November 1984 after participating in a battle royal.
1984: Transition to the American Wrestling Association
After departing from the WWF, Kamala joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA) based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1985. He solidified his "monster" persona by winning several handicap matches.
1984: Kamala's WWF Debut
Kamala made his first appearance in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1984, managed by Freddie Blassie.
April 1985: Ugandan Death Match Victory
In a brutal "Ugandan Death Match" in April 1985, Kamala emerged victorious against Sgt. Slaughter, a testament to his fierce wrestling style.
July 1985: The Great American Bash and NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match
Kamala participated in Jim Crockett Promotions' The Great American Bash in July 1985, unsuccessfully challenging Magnum T.A. for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.
September 1985: SuperClash Body Slam Challenge
Kamala participated in the SuperClash event in September 1985, facing Jerry Blackwell in a body slam challenge, which he lost.
November 1985: First Tour of Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling
Kamala embarked on his first tour of Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling in November 1985, wrestling as "Giant Kamala" and teaming with King Cobra.
1985: Departure from WCCW
Kamala's regular appearances with WCCW came to an end in late 1985.
February 1986: Second Tour of Japan
Kamala returned to Japan in February 1986 for his second tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling, this time wrestling as "Kimala."
July 1986: Return to the WWF with New Management
Kamala rejoined the WWF in July 1986, now managed by The Wizard and a masked "handler" named Kim Chee, typically portrayed by Steve Lombardi.
November 1986: Renewed Rivalry with Hulk Hogan
From November 1986, Kamala engaged in a series of high-profile matches against Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, marking a peak in his wrestling career.
February 1987: Tag Team Formation and Feud with Jake Roberts
In February 1987, Kamala formed a tag team with Sika and entered a feud with Jake Roberts, who used Kamala's supposed fear of snakes against him.
February 1987: Hogan Rivalry Concludes
Kamala's series of matches with Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship concluded in February 1987, having included two prominent bouts at Madison Square Garden.
April 1987: Managerial Change
Kamala's manager, The Wizard, sold his contract to Mr. Fuji in April 1987.
September 1987: Departure from WWF
Kamala left the WWF in September 1987 due to dissatisfaction with his pay.
1989: Return to World Class Championship Wrestling
Kamala returned to World Class Championship Wrestling in 1989 and feuded with the Von Erich brothers and Michael Hayes before the promotion ended.
1990: Debut in USWA and Feud with Jerry Lawler
Kamala debuted in the USWA in 1990, beginning a significant feud with Jerry Lawler.
March 17, 1991: Cage Match Loss Against Mil Máscaras
On March 17, 1991, Kamala lost to Mil Máscaras in a cage match.
May 9, 1992: Return to WWF
Kamala returned to the WWF on May 9, 1992 with new managers.
June 1992: WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match
Kamala unsuccessfully challenged Randy Savage for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in June 1992.
August 1992: SummerSlam Match and Pay Dispute
Kamala lost to The Undertaker at SummerSlam in August 1992 and later alleged a significant pay disparity between them.
November 1992: First Televised Casket Match
Kamala lost to The Undertaker in the first televised casket match at Survivor Series in November 1992.
1992: Return to Japan and Departure from USWA
Kamala returned to Japan, working with various promotions, and left the USWA in 1992.
1992: Diagnosed with Diabetes
In 1992, Harris received a diagnosis of diabetes, a condition that would significantly impact his health in later years.
January 1993: Face Turn and Alignment with Reverend Slick
After being mistreated by his managers, Kamala broke away and aligned with Reverend Slick, turning face for the first time in his WWF career in January 1993.
March 1993: Feud with Kim Chee and Matches with Bam Bam Bigelow
Kamala feuded with Kim Chee and had a series of matches with Bam Bam Bigelow in early 1993.
May 1993: King of the Ring Qualifying Match
In May 1993, Kamala lost a King of the Ring qualifying match to Mr. Hughes.
July 1993: Family Tragedy and Aftermath
In July 1993, Harris's youngest sister and her stepdaughter were tragically shot and killed. The perpetrator also attempted suicide but survived with severe injuries. Following this tragedy, Harris left his WWF tour and focused on seeking justice for his family. He advocated for the killer's arrest and conviction, resulting in a life imprisonment sentence. The killer later died in 2013. Throughout this difficult time, Harris stepped up to help raise his surviving niece.
December 1993: Royal Rumble Replacement
Kamala was initially announced for the 1994 Royal Rumble but was replaced by Virgil.
December 1993: IAW Tag Team Championship Victory in India
Kamala won the IAW Tag Team Titles with Dusty Wolfe in India in December 1993.
1993: Music Career Begins
In 1993, Harris embarked on a musical journey, writing, performing, and producing his own music. He composed over 100 songs, with some reflecting his frustrations with the wrestling industry, particularly the low pay. Notably, he independently released his debut album, "The Best of Kamala Vol 1," which featured a ballad dedicated to the memory of Stanley "Tookie" Williams.
1994: Departure from WWF and Return to Truck Driving
Kamala left the WWF and resumed his work as a truck driver.
1995: Joining WCW and Feud with Hulk Hogan
Kamala joined WCW in 1995 as part of the Dungeon of Doom stable, aiming to end Hulk Hogan's career. He wrestled Hogan at multiple events.
January 24, 1996: Final USWA Appearance
Kamala made his last appearance for USWA on January 24, 1996, in an Iron Man match.
July 20, 2002: Match against Jerry Lawler at IWC
Kamala lost to his longtime rival Jerry Lawler at an International Wrestling Cartel event on July 20, 2002.
2003: Appearances for Memphis Wrestling
Kamala made appearances for Memphis Wrestling from 2003 to 2004.
July 26, 2004: Surprise Appearance on WWE Raw
Kamala made a surprise return to WWE on July 26, 2004, appearing in a segment during the Raw Diva Search.
2004: Appearances for Memphis Wrestling
Kamala made appearances for Memphis Wrestling from 2003 to 2004.
January 29, 2005: Match against Jim Duggan at WrestleReunion 1
Kamala lost to Jim Duggan at the WrestleReunion 1 event on January 29, 2005.
August 11, 2005: Match Interrupted by The Undertaker's Message
Kamala faced Randy Orton on SmackDown! on August 11, 2005, but the match ended in a no contest due to a message from The Undertaker.
2005: Divorce from First Wife
Harris's first marriage ended in divorce in 2005.
June 25, 2006: Appearance at WWE Vengeance
Kamala accompanied Eugene to the ring at WWE Vengeance on June 25, 2006, in a losing effort against Umaga. He also wrestled Umaga the following night on Raw.
September 30, 2006: ROH World Championship Match
Kamala wrestled Bryan Danielson to a non-finish in a match for the ROH World Championship on September 30, 2006.
2006: Second Marriage
Harris married Emmer Jean Bradley in 2006.
2006: Kamala's Final WWF Run
Kamala's final run with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later known as WWE, concluded in 2006.
2007: Victory over Lanny Poffo
Kamala defeated Lanny Poffo at the Great North Wrestling event Wrestling Supershow in Ottawa, Canada in 2007.
June 2008: Appearance at TNA Slammiversary
Kamala made an appearance at TNA's Slammiversary pay-per-view in June 2008.
August 15, 2010: Final Match at Juggalo Championship Wrestling
Kamala's final match was on August 15, 2010, at a Juggalo Championship Wrestling event where he teamed with the Weedman.
November 7, 2011: Left Leg Amputation
On November 7, 2011, Harris underwent an amputation of his left leg below the knee due to complications arising from high blood pressure and diabetes, a condition he had been battling since 1992. This health setback forced him to retire from professional wrestling as he chose not to undergo dialysis treatment.
April 2012: Right Leg Amputation
In April 2012, Harris faced another health challenge as his right leg was amputated below the knee due to complications from diabetes. This led to a fundraising campaign to support him with his financial needs during this time.
2013: Death of Sister's Killer
In 2013, the individual who murdered Harris's sister and niece in 1993 passed away while serving a life imprisonment sentence.
December 2014: Autobiography Published
In December 2014, Harris's autobiography, "Kamala Speaks," was self-published after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Co-written with his former wrestling manager, Kenny Casanova, the book aimed to help Harris cover medical expenses.
2014: Financial Struggles and Resilience
In 2014, Harris openly shared his financial struggles after retiring from wrestling due to his amputations. He relied on disability checks, supplemented his income by selling handmade wooden chairs, and recently completed writing a book about his life experiences.
2015: Autobiography Completed
In 2015, Harris completed his autobiography, "Kamala Speaks," which he co-wrote with Kenny Casanova. The book chronicles his life story, wrestling career, and the challenges he faced after losing both legs to diabetes.
July 2016: Class Action Lawsuit Against WWE
In July 2016, Harris joined a class action lawsuit against WWE, alleging that the company had concealed the risks of traumatic brain injuries wrestlers faced during their careers. The lawsuit, represented by attorney Konstantine Kyros, was dismissed in September 2018 by District of Connecticut judge Vanessa Lynne Bryant.
November 19, 2017: Emergency Surgery and Life Support
On November 19, 2017, Harris underwent emergency surgery to remove fluid from around his heart and lungs at a hospital in Oxford, Mississippi. Following the procedure, he was placed on life support due to complications.
September 2018: WWE Lawsuit Dismissed
In September 2018, the class action lawsuit against WWE involving Harris and other wrestlers was dismissed by Judge Vanessa Lynne Bryant.
April 2019: GoFundMe Campaign for Unpaid Taxes
In April 2019, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by former WWF wrestler and president of the Cauliflower Alley Club, B. Brian Blair, to help Harris address unpaid taxes and prevent the loss of his home. Wrestler Chris Jericho made a significant donation, contributing to the campaign surpassing its fundraising goal.
August 5, 2020: COVID-19 Diagnosis and Hospitalization
On August 5, 2020, Harris tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. His wife believed he likely contracted the virus during one of his frequent dialysis appointments. His health deteriorated as COVID-19 exacerbated complications from his existing diabetes.
August 9, 2020: Death of James Arthur Harris
James Arthur Harris, known as the wrestler Kamala, passed away on August 9, 2020.
March 2021: Character Analysis and Critique
In March 2021, Kamala's character was analyzed and deemed "problematic" for perpetuating negative stereotypes, though Harris's performance skills were acknowledged.