WWE main roster lacks enough Black female representation

It goes without saying, but also must be said that representation in entertainment is important. When fans see stars that look like them in a field that doesn’t always reflect diverse communities, it’s a natural draw to help build interest and support. That brings the conversation to the WWE and a growing issue of representation of Black women on the company’s main roster.

This isn’t a new conversation but it was once again pushed to the forefront this week. WWE posted a picture to celebrate Liv Morgan as the new face of the SmackDown women’s division. The image included all the ladies on that brand standing behind the title holder. It was immediately clear that the roster doesn’t have any Black women on the show. According to reports Sasha Banks and Naomi are no longer listed internally and there are further reports that Banks was released from the company.

Beyond that, WWE Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair is the only Black woman on the main roster.

This has been quite the dramatic turn for WWE in recent months. It was just back in 2021 when WWE was praised for making improved steps to highlight Black wrestlers at the top of the card. Banks and Belair were a featured main event for WrestleMania. Bobby Lashley and Big E were champions and mainstays in the Raw title picture. The New Day, Street Profits, and even the Hurt Business were featured in the tag team division.

All of that has been undone halfway through 2022, giving critics the space to say that those runs at the top were performative actions by the WWE and not a commitment to long-term improvement in the space of representation.

Failing to highlight Black women on the roster is a move that WWE continues to make in spite of proof that these performers have passionate fan bases ready to support them. Banks’ reach outside of WWE is well documented, and her segments consistently draw strong ratings for the show. Belair is growing into a bigger brand as well, recently being featured by Rhianna’s product line Fenty. Even Jade Cargill in AEW is becoming a bigger star for the promotion, catching eyeballs well outside of professional wrestling for her look and presentation.

WWE leadership put themselves in this position and continues to do so contrary to proven benefits that come with highlighting Black women in wrestling. With individuals like Lash Legend, Amari Miller, Kayden Carter, and other recent signings they have some talent that could eventually step up into roles on the main roster. But this company consistently proves an inability to do so in a manner that represents long-term change.