Report: WWE Aware Of Issues With Lack Of Black Male Wrestlers Being Booked On PPVs

WWE have been made aware of issues with the company's booking of black male talents on the main roster, notably that black male wrestlers have been rarely featured on the company's pay-per-views/premium live events.

That is according to Sean Ross Sapp, who said on the Fightful Select Weekly Pod:

"WWE has been made aware of it. It's a thing that I don't think that like came to mind necessarily. I've never heard anyone say, 'Yes this was intentional' or anything like that. I did hear people saying, 'Well that's obviously something that will be addressed now.' But we'll see how it's addressed. It's more about black male single talent getting featured."

A black male talent has not won a singles match on a WWE main roster pay-per-view since Bobby Lashley defeated Brock Lesnar by DQ at Elimination Chamber 2023. A black male wrestler hasn't won a match by pinfall or submission since Bobby Lashley defeated Austin Theory to retain the United States Championship at SummerSlam 2022.

Bad Blood will be the third straight WWE pay-per-view without a black male talent on the card when the show takes place on Saturday, October 5.

WWE received criticism in recent days from former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland, who responded to reports that WWE believed his new AEW contract was above market value by saying:

"They only complain when a Black person gets paid, I will say that. We shake the foundation of things like that. 'Oh snap, wait. That's not what we would pay.' Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me? If I'm not your concern then don't worry about it. Don't worry about my pockets and our money. We're good. You have your talent. You made your decision with me two years ago. No hard feelings from me. I keep it moving and I'm going to figure my way out and I'm going to build myself up."