After ECW, Simmons joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and made his debut on the July 22, 1996, episode of "Monday Night Raw". His first gimmick was that of Faarooq Asad, a gladiator who wore a black and blue gladiator outfit with a misshaped helmet and was managed by Sunny. Simmons started his first feud with Ahmed Johnson before shortening his ring name to Faarooq. The feud was started when Faarooq attacked Ahmed during a tag team match pitting Johnson and Shawn Michaels against the Smoking Gunns. As a result of the injuries sustained, Johnson vacated the Intercontinental title. In the subsequent tournament, Faarooq lost in the finals to Marc Mero.