The catchphrase belongs to Ron Simmons, a former WCW World Heavyweight Champion who wrestled in WWE as Faarooq and later in the APA. In the mid-2000s WWE turned his single word into a running gag: after a backstage segment ended awkwardly or absurdly, Simmons would appear, survey the scene, say 'Damn!' and walk off. The bit became a signature moment and the audio and GIF spread widely through wrestling forums and social media. It remains popular because one short shout perfectly captures stunned disbelief for almost any fail online.