WWE: Bobby Lashley & Lana is another tale in racial & gender stereotypes

The angle between Bobby Lashley, Lana and Rusev is yet another exhausting example to the narrow-minded view of minorities on the WWE roster.

This has been a tough week to be a fan of WWE content, but an even tougher week for the people of color that have supported this organization.

Kofi Kingston’s title reign coming to an end in controversial fashion is one story; but there’s also the angle involving Bobby Lashley, Rusev and Lana. With another segment showing on Monday Night Raw, it’s clear that this is something WWE Creative is going to run with. It’s unfortunate, because it’s yet another example of the marginalization that men and women of color face as a part of the WWE roster. It’s a simple issue to fix, but with it continuing to pop back up one must wonder if this is how those in leadership really do see minorities on the WWE roster.

Lana, Rusev and Lashley each recently returned after extended time off television. Lashley returned from an injury, while Rusev and Lana are coming back after time off television due to vacation requests. It seemed like Rusev was going to be slotted into an important position near the main event, but that all quickly changed when Lashley returned and locked lips with Lana. That has escalated in the week sense to the same response of cringe across the board.

These types of angles aren’t new within WWE. Look back at nearly every prominent couple to walk through the curtain and you’d find some type of angle in which the husband and wife were pitted against each other due to infidelities. What’s unfortunate about this matter is that it comes at a time in which the WWE seemed – key word: seemed – to be poised to change how it’s treated minorities on the roster. Sadly, we were all incorrect.

First, there’s the continued narrative of men of color lusting after white women. This seems to be one idea that WWE Creative (read: Vince McMahon) cannot get out of their minds. Many of today’s viewers might not remember the infamous segment with McMahon, Shelton Benjamin and Trish Stratus that aired more than a decade ago.

While this segment was a joke, it still acknowledged the negative narratives that come from the interactions between white women and men of color. Yet, the company continues to push that idea without batting an idea of the real life struggles these situations cause. The storyline between Mandy Rose and Jimmy Uso is a recent example of when this dynamic was pushed to the forefront due to what was lazy booking. An angle that didn’t improve the standing of anyone involved with the fans.

When it comes back to Lashley, one must cringe at the continued sexualization of black men on the roster. Lashley is a talented former champion that can be playing a myriad of roles as the WWE continues to struggle with building new stars. But this is the limits in which his character is being used.

And it’s not just him. Look at the Street Profits, mainly Angelo Dawkins, who has continued to comment on his desires for some of the women on the roster. All the while, everyone is very aware of what these men can bring to the ring from bell to bell. Instead of allowing them to flourish, their talent is often limited to one role: lusting after the white women on the roster.

Second, there’s the impact that this and similar storylines have on the Women’s Revolution. Even with Becky Lynch’s continued dominance as one of the most important personalities in WWE; the placement of women’s wrestling has continued to dwindle. Many of the women are held off television for one reason or another; with a dearth of storylines available outside of the titles.

Not including the angles involving the Four Horsewomen, the only stories involving women on the “main” roster include the tag titles, Lacey Evans vs. Natalya and this Lana angle. Not a lot of variety or opportunity there. The Maria Kanellis angle is equally troubling and limiting her in a way after all the professional growth she showed outside of the WWE. After the strides that were made for women’s wrestling, angles such as these drag the entire roster and its perception backwards.

It’s only right to roll your eyes in disgust as this angle between Lana, Rusev and Lashley continues. With the Draft coming up, it looks like WWE Creative is digging in their heels to keep this angle featured on television. Sadly, it’s a narrative that has been presented on WWE television time and time again; without any success. The racial and gender stereotypes in these angles are clear as day. Yet another example of how limiting those within WWE see the minorities that are a part of the roster.