Black History Month Roundtable: Celebrating Black excellence in wrestling

Are Black wrestlers in major wrestling promotions (i.e. WWE, AEW) showcased better now than they were, say, 10-20 years ago? Even considering the more over the top and underused Black wrestlers of our time?

Anthony: I’d say so, but it could still be better. WWE could improve, AEW could improve and New Japan is my favorite promotion right now, but they have an extreme lack of black representation on their roster.

Chris: In terms of presentation, the major promotions have nudged forward, but it often feels like a “one step forward, two steps back” situation. Sure, we don’t see things like Mark Henry getting nicknamed “The Silverback” or everything Cryme Tyme related, but there are still remnants of this sort of problematic characterization, especially in WWE.

This isn’t as much of a problem from what I’ve seen in non-WWE promotions, but in McMahon-land, it’s still quite concerning that most of the Black wrestlers are primarily known for their comedy, thus making that Triple H promo where he told Booker T that he was there to “entertain” him and “make [him] laugh” ring truer than it ever should.

Black wrestlers in other promotions have shown how good they can be when you don’t saddle them with the same old tropes that have primarily kept them in the midcard more often than not. WWE has gotten better at this, but they are still very far behind where they need to be.

David:  I do think the showcasing of black wrestlers has improved. I suppose one can argue it had nowhere to go but up. That’s be fair. However, it’s clear WWE has made a clear effort to have diversity.

They still have a long way to go but on a regular basis we have featured black wrestlers killing it now. Keith Lee is a megastar in the making. So is Velveteen. Sasha Banks is an all timer. Naomi is organically breaking out. Loaded!

Kyla: Black wrestlers are showcased in about the same way as they have been in the past. The most noteworthy difference is the fact that now black wrestlers get more screen time, title opportunities, and title reigns.

With these added opportunities, comes restraints, with the most obvious being the stereotypical character personalities that these black wrestlers play. A prime example is seen with R Truth who has the prestigious honor of being a 34 time, 24/7 Champion (although this title is sometimes viewed as a joke).

Even with such an outstanding accolade, Truth’s on screen character is often portrayed as a clueless and illiterate, yet funny black man. Not to mention the fact that Truth hasn’t ever had the honor of holding the WWE Championship.

Other restraints can be seen in the majority of black wrestlers gear choice as well, as the majority of these wrestlers wear noticeably bright ring gear. The colorful attire comes off as obnoxious, practically screaming, “Hey, I’m black and yes, I can wrestle pretty well too!” Noteworthy black wrestlers who fit into this category include The New Day, Naomi, and Sasha Banks.

Meanwhile, non-black athletes such as The OC, Becky Lynch, and Bayley get to rock monotone, predominantly black ring attire. This kinda gives the feel that without the over the top ring gear, these black wrestlers wouldn’t be adequate enough to be on the big screen.

Phil: I would say black wrestlers are showcased more than they were but they are often used to put over other performers before they get their major moment. That’s something I would like to see change.

For example, there is still a lack of black world champions across the board. Those stars are more than bit players and although things have changed we don’t see enough of them propelled to the main event or views as the face of a company. That’s the next step that eventually needs to happen.

Raphael: Are they showcased better? The answer in my opinion is no. There are more talented POC wrestlers now than back 10-20 years ago, but and they get SOME TV time, but they haven’t moved the glass ceiling at all. Especially among the women.

Sasha has less days as champion as every white woman that’s held the belt. The only two where she has more are Bayley and Nia Jax … two women of color – see a trend.

And AEW … who is their top Black singles star? I’ll wait …