Vader/Ron Simmons

Scott, continuing with WCW ppvs on network and a few things I'm pondering:
What was the deal with Ron Simmons title reign? I've heard stories of Watts "proving he wasn't racist". But it totally sabotaged Vader's reign. Vader absolutely murdered Sting at the Bash and a month later jobs it to Simmons who holds it for 4 months! Both Simmons win, and Vader's eventually second title win happen off ppv. Vader basically, minus a week to Sting, held the belt all year in 93. And was Simmons supposed to job to Rude at Starrcade? If Rude doesn't get hurt does Vader get the epic reign in 93?

Vader was apparently hurt pretty bad after the Sting match and they just needed to get the belt off him for a while before resuming the mega push. But yeah, the racism deal was kind of a bonus for Watts so that he could refute the charges, I think. I don't think Rude was ever supposed to get the belt, though. I'd have to check the WON from that time.