WWE’s work to undercut Banks & Naomi is disturbing but not shocking

WWE attempting to damage two Black women publicly is unsettling to watch.

The most important action that took place on the May 16 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw didn’t occur in front of cameras. Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the show after what is being described as creative differences surrounding their involvement in the women’s six-pack match and the rumored title picture that followed. Days later, speculation and innuendo continue to swirl around what happened and why. Even as those conversations go on, there’s one thing that is clear: WWE went to disturbing and unfortunate lengths to discredit Naomi and Sasha Banks. But that should not surprise anyone when looking at who is involved and this promotion’s history.

Before the night was over WWE made it a point to use words like “unprofessional” when talking about Banks and Naomi’s character as the show continued. What shocked a lot of people was the company’s press release that was disseminated via social media. The next day, E! (which has close ties to the WWE) further pushed the narrative of Banks and Naomi being hard to work within the moment, even reaching for a new low by bringing up Banks’ own admission to mental health challenges when she talked about leaving the company years prior.

Right on cue, fans and detractors took to their online outlets to show support or denigrate the two women for their actions. Facts were mixed with opinions, and the masses were off to the running. Regardless of which side one falls on, it’s still highly disturbing to see WWE go so far to publicly shame these two in this fashion.

WWE has and continues to employ many individuals that have been involved in legal challenges due to various forms of misconduct. Matt Riddle and Jerry Lawler are two of several names. The company even quietly cut Velveteen Dream when accusations against him became so much that they couldn’t even whitewash his position in the company – regardless of the great talent he held. WWE consistently uses its power to protect men who were accused of detestable actions.

The Banks/Naomi walkout drew comparisons to situations with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Toni Storm, Jeff Hardy, and Charlotte Flair. While there are some parallels and differences, it’s still clear that the glaring push to undercut the momentum behind Naomi and Banks is insidious.

Fans have always wanted to see more for both women. But those desires are usually unanswered with booking decisions that leave fans shaking their heads.

Banks and Naomi are stars no matter how hard WWE attempts to stop them

Banks has powered herself to become a major star both within and outside professional wrestling. From being featured on The Mandalorian to being involved with the NCAA National Championship Game, appearing on Nick Cannon’s Wild’N Out, and recently did an episode of Cold as Balls with Kevin Hart. All these opportunities came without the WWE flexing its media power, which has waned, specifically with demographics that Banks can reach.

Instead of better partnering with Banks, so all entities get lifted at once, the WWE continues to try to stop her momentum and they fail each time.

Then there is Naomi. Her ten-year run with the WWE is astonishing. Especially when considering the company’s recent “budget cuts” tactics and the use of the women’s roster during those years. Naomi is one that fans have come to love and colleagues respect, but that is never reciprocated by the company. She’s rarely leveraged in long-term storylines and the lack of merchandise she’s had in a decade is telling.

Ignoring the racial component of this situation would also be a mistake. Professional wrestling cannot escape the diversity, equity, and inclusion conversation, no matter how some loud voices attempt to make it so. WWE has seen some positive steps forward, but quickly kills all that work with situations like this. The company is working overtime to make sure Banks and Naomi come off bad in this situation to anyone who is willing to believe them. They don’t do this for anyone else. And when Black fans look at two women who represent those communities being torn down, the anger is even more palpable.

There’s no telling how or when this situation will end. As those with “sources” speculate, everyone waits for Banks and Naomi to potentially say something. But even if they don’t, what has been said and done so far is noticeably clear. WWE has stooped to new lows to discredit these two popular women.