WWE: Celebrating African-American Wrestlers Who Impacted Us
The New Day
Joe Anthony Myrick- For five years now, one of the most positive examples of African-American representation has been The New Day as a collective. It’s ironic, actually, because the stable could have easily been portrayed in somewhat of a problematic fashion.
After all, when the trio first made their official debut as a unit in late Nov. 2014, they were saddled with a stereotypical preacher-type gimmick. As time passed, they re-molded themselves on-screen as just three dudes who love to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. In short: they were the best of friends.
That’s the most beautiful thing about the trio’s relationship; their friendship. Three masculine Black men who support each other, build each other up as often as possible, and wouldn’t ever dare to knock each other down. Friendship like that is hard to find on television, especially between Black men.
Usually in television when we see male friendships (particularly Black masculine friendships) portrayed onscreen, it’s portrayed in a way that’s typically mean spirited. The slightest compliment or confidence booster that a guy sends to another guy usually results in the former making some off-hand “bro” comment to prevent things from getting too emotional. This is especially the case in professional wrestling where someone could turn on their tag team partner at the drop of a dime just for grabbing the last slice of pie before them.
Not New Day. Not only have they managed to not even hint at a breakup for five years, but they portray three best friends who unapologetically love and support one another. A true testament to their friendship has been in light of Kofi Kingston’s push towards the WWE Championship.
A lesser stable or tag team would fall into dissension as soon as one person gets a smidge more glory than the rest of them. Not New Day. Both Big E and Xavier Woods – on multiple occasions – have promised Kofi that they will help him win the WWE Championship. That is true friendship right there. As a Black man watching other Black men display such platonic love and affection for each other without a care in the world, it’s heartwarming to see.