Simpson was born in Gunnison, Colorado and grew up in Wellton, Arizona, where he attended Antelope Union High School. In high school he was a standout wrestler, compiling an amazing 142–1 record, and earned four state wrestling championships before going to compete in the sport for Arizona State University originally as a walk on before earning his scholarship. He compiled 110 wins and earned NCAA All-American status in 1996 and 1998 and then became an assistant coach for ASU and spent nine years there in that position. Simpson then worked as an assistant coach at California Polytechnic State University.
