Booker T Addresses Criticism Of Black Representation In WWE

WWE have recently faced criticism after it was pointed out that black male wrestlers have been seldom featured across WWE PLEs in recent times, with Bad Blood the third PLE in a row to not feature any black male talent in action.

WWE Hall of Famer and NXT commentator Booker T has given his thoughts on the matter, saying the following on his Hall of Fame podcast:

“I don’t think it’s any bias at all. I don’t think it’s looked at that way from Triple H. Me personally, I don’t, just because I’m there, I’m there on a weekly basis. I know what the show needs to actually thrive and get to the next level. Has there been bias in the wrestling business, in the wrestling company before? Yes, there has. Are angles perhaps touchy? Yes. I’ve been a part of them. But do I think it’s race-related or anything like that, or someone being belittled on purpose? I saw something that there hadn’t been any black guys on [premium live events] in the last three months. Then I’m gonna say, ‘okay, what guys are we talking about that we saying that should be on the pay-per-view? Are they in any angles to warrant a reason for being on the pay-per-view?’ [Laughs] I’m just saying. Because this thing goes and ebbs and flows. One thing about this business, it’s just a fact, there’s more white guys in it than there are black guys and girls. It just is. It’s always been that way. I never look at should someone just be on the show. I look at whether their talent warrants them being on the show, and as well, are they in an angle right now? Sometimes, you might want to see me, but I might want to be off," Booker T said.

Booker continued, noting that he feels it should not be a black-or-white issue:

"This thing is like a merry-go-round. Sometimes you gotta be on, sometimes you gotta be off, and if you’re just thinking about it from a black and white perspective, you can get caught up in the weeds from what’s really going on. So to answer your question, no, I do not think Triple H has an ulterior motive to why people aren’t on the show. I think he has a motive to why people are on the show more than anything. I don’t think it’s a black and white thing, I don’t think it’s a race thing at this stage of the game.

“I think if you’re talented enough, if you’re good, cream is gonna rise to the top every time. I feel like Bianca Belair earned her spot, no one gave it to her. I feel that Jade Cargill has come in and done a hell of a job. She’s blending in perfectly to try to get to that next level as well. I look at someone like Bayley, who’s an extraordinary talent, and that’s the reason why she’s on the card, doing what she’s doing. That’s the only thing I look at when I look at the talent on the roster. Can they go out and perform? I think at the end of the day, the best guys are getting the opportunities," Booker T said.

H/T: Fightful