What Does Big E Think About WWE’s Push Towards Representation?

WWE Champion Big E is enjoying a remarkable reign on top. In the midst of a complicated feud between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, Big E is establishing himself as the top good guy in the company. What is also notable is Big E is the second Black WWE Champion this year, following Bobby Lashley.

This follows a push by WWE to push Black talent. Big E recently spoke about the importance of representation.

When you look around at the landscape of our industry, in WWE and outside of WWE, it just feels like a really good time to be a Black professional wrestler

I hope we continue to move in this direction and let people be themselves, let people be unique. I’m proud to be one of many talented Black wrestlers in WWE and around the world.

What’s important here is Big E and others weren’t given their spots. They earned them. I don’t think you could argue that Big E hasn’t been deserving of a championship reign for a long time.

Wrestling’s History Of Representation

Compared to other sports and entertainment sectors, wrestling’s record on representation isn’t bad. Promoters understand even in the 50s and 60s that Black champions could draw massive crowds. But progress still had to be forced. Wrestlers like Bearcat Wright, Junkyard Yard, and Bobo Brazil paved the way by drawing huge crowds and working to desegregate the sport.

The title “First black world champion” is disputed, but the most popular was Ron Simmons (later known as Faroq in WWF). Simmons defeated Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Title in a historic match.

R-Truth was the first NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion.

Sputnik Monore, while white, refused to wrestle in front of segregated crowds. He became so popular that promoters had no choice but to desegregate wrestling crowds in Jim Crow Memphis.

Wrestling has tried to reflect its audience because it is about making money and putting butts in seats at the end of the day.

What’s more, Big E, Lashley, Sasha Banks, and others weren’t handed their championship reigns to be “woke” or performative. Each of them earned it. People like to go after Vince for being a Republican and Trump supporter, but he allowed wrestlers to support BLM without any pressure to do otherwise.

The Beautiful Diversity of Wrestling

These stars aren’t getting a push because they’re Black. They’re getting a push because they’ve earned it. These stars are icons that fans of all backgrounds can appreciate.

Go to a wrestling show, and you will see everyone of every age, race, and economic status. Wrestling is for everyone, and it’s what makes it so unique. Too often in America, our entertainment is still segregated, but when you’re at a wrestling show, you’re just there as a fan. The universality of pro wrestling is unique, and it’s what makes me love it so much.

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Hunter Patterson

Hunter Patterson is a writer based in Los Angeles. He loves writing about pop culture, popcorn, and pro wrestling. When he isn't writing, he is working on several creative endeavors. In his free time, he enjoys reading science fiction, perfecting his chili recipe, and exploring Los Angeles' amazing culinary scene.