Is WWE looking racist with their Management over the ADR and Rey Mysterio situations?

[pepentorresHHH]

Lately WWE has been under attack with increasing racist claims by how they handled the Alberto del Rio situation and how his firing came about. Also, Rey Mysterio´s contract has been extended because of his injury time without even asking Mysterio.

Both these guys seem to be headed to AAA in the near future. BUT ADR apparently has said that WWE has put a clause in his contract forbidding him to work in the United States for a years instead of the usual 3 months without paying him for that year. Also, the employee who made the racist remark to Del Rio and got slapped hasnt been fired or even disciplined from the information released. Protecting a guy who didnt even apologised when confronted seems kinda racist on the part of WWE.

As far as Rey Mysterio goes, he´s been unhappy with WWE for a while and from information online, he´ll join AAA when his contract with WWE expired but his contract was extended for a full year to make up for the missed time.

Preventing both talents from working for AAA is something that will be dealt by the lawyers but in your opinion..... IS WWE LOOKING RACIST?

its all about perception and I will put my 2 cents since Im a big WWE fan but also Latino.

Discuss

 

[Kidpolean]

Yes wwe is racist because of how they handled a 4 time world champion and a 3 time world champion lol

Rey and ADR when healthy have both been in high profile matches and storylines for the majority of their wwe careers. They were both treated better than the majority of the roster.

These threads are completely ridiculous. BTW calling someone a name, racist or not, is not worst than assaulting someone. Im pretty sure the situation was handled on both ends, we just know about one side off it because it involved someones realese from the company.

 

[Duality777]

Firing one guy for standing up for himself against a mexican racial comment, and holding another one of their own captive (so much that #FREERAY is now a thing) certainly is not going to help them with the latin demographic.

 

[Skyeborne]

I would say what happened with Del Rio was something, not really sure if it was racist. Is a stereotype really racism? If so then saying all Americans are fat is Xenophobic. The blame also falls on both of them, yes the manager shouldn't have said it, but Del Rio should have consulted higher powers instead of slapping. What happened with the other employee is still speculation. In a situation like that some training from HR would probably be enough.

What is going on with Rey is just business. He and WWE made a contract, and Rey didn't fulfill his end of the contract because of injuries. It was unforseen, but it still happened.

Firing one guy for standing up for himself against a mexican racial comment, and holding another one of their own captive (so much that #FREERAY is now a thing) certainly is not going to help them with the latin demographic.

It doesn't seem like WWE cares. They replaced the Spanish announcing team with a German announcing team.

 

[Duality777]

It doesn't seem like WWE cares. They replaced the Spanish announcing team with a German announcing team.

lol yeah that came out of left field. Why German? Is WWE huge in Germany or something? They don't even have any German superstars. I suppose they need an announce table available to be broken once in awhile, just seems random.

 

[shafe_41]

Oh look somebody playing the race card again.

Del Rio retaliated from someone saying something and slapped an employee. That will get you fired pretty much anywhere. Mysterio hasn't been healthy in over five years so who cares where he ends up. The last thing of note Mysterio did was his three match stint with Jericho for the IC title in the summer of '09 at Judgement Day, The Bash, and something else. Sure they've all been in headlining matches, but so what? That was then, this is now. It's really that simple. You can't hit employees and you have to stay healthy. Enough said.

 

[Duality777]

I don't think it's "playing a race card", the question is has this made them look bad. When you have Del Rio showing up in AAA saying his mexican heritage and pride is more important then his job, and Mysterio saying he wishes he could be there, but can't, it isn't exactly making them look good to the Latin community.

 

[I Heart Cena]

Vince really needs to rectify this. This is no way to treat people.

I don't know if he'll be hit in the pocketbook over this. The product has already fallen off, Lesnar is saving it tho.

If we bring signs to events, then they will be G'd. Our only hope is social media, but Vince probably won't care.

 

[Nate DaMac]

Del Rio retaliated from someone saying something and slapped an employee. That will get you fired pretty much anywhere.

True, but being a bigot usually gets you fired just as quickly. I totally understand why Del Rio was fired but I do not understand why this Cody dude wasn't. In Alberto's case, yeah the WWE is looking poorly for letting that guy off scot free while firing the Mexican.

With Mysterio though? I don't get why the race issue is being brought up at all. That's strictly monetary.

 

[Duality777]

With Mysterio though? I don't get why the race issue is being brought up at all. That's strictly monetary.

It's why Mysterio is being kept around. He's banged up, wrestles a couple weeks and then is gone again. They want to keep him to sell Mysterio masks and because he is a Latin fan favorite, a hero for the Latin kids, which ultimately means.... to make money. It's saying them making money is more important then his happiness.

 

[MrJay]

The Mysterio thing isn't racism. It's a money thing.

With that being said, the Del Rio situation is just another in a long line of incidents that make the WWE look like they tolerate racism. I mean these are the same people who told Carlito that he needed to "spic it up,more" when he was on television.

Anyway,they should have just suspended Del Rio and the employee in question. And when they decided to fire Del Rio, the social media guy should have been fired right along with him. Especially with that not being the first time the social media guy has done something like that.

 

[A11oftheLights]

no and anyone who thinks so, in this situation at least, is a fool

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I don't know if we've heard all the facts and information on this story.

If everything we've read thus far is true, then it certainly raises a legit question as to why Cody Barbieri, or however you spell his name, wasn't fired while Del Rio was. I understand why Del Rio was fired, you can't just slap the taste out of somebody's mouth without being let go in just about any sort of business you can name. At the same time, if this guy used a racial slur, he should have been fired as well. It's just that simple.

However, at the same time, I think WWE, and everyone for that matter, have to be somewhat cautious. Just because someone who's a member of a racial minority screams racism doesn't automatically make it true. I know that accepting it as true has become the immediate, knee jerk reaction, I think it's probably a reaction we've all had at one point or another. In all honesty, we know that some people, whether African American, Latino, Asian, etc. do try to exploit tensions for their own benefit by playing the race card whether it be for being fired from a job, being questioned by police, being arrested, being denied a loan from the bank, to personal dislike of someone, etc. I'm not saying Del Rio's done that, I personally get the feeling that he hasn't, but I've no way of knowing it for sure.

Konnan claims a broad degree of racism in WWE but, then again, Konnan's credibility is suspicious, at least to me. After all, he's made the same accusation towards every American company he's ever worked for whether it be WWE, WCW or TNA. He reminds me a lot of Shane Douglas in that he blasts every company he's ever worked for, only he plays the race card, as if there's always some sort of conspiracy to keep him down to explain why he's never been the mega star he believes that he should be.

As far as Mysterio goes, it's pretty laughable to think racism has anything to do with it. Mysterio's had a lot of success in WWE and he's been among the highest paid guys on the roster for quite a few years. I think it all ultimately comes down to money, it's allegedly been a source of contention between Mysterio & WWE for several years now. Allegedly, Mysterio's wanted to keep making top dollar for the company, yet he certainly hasn't been worth it for the past few years because he's spent more time out injured than he has as an active member of the roster. If Rey wanted to leave after WWE's made him extremely wealthy, I can understand Vince being pissed off about it, but I also think it was an opportunity to show he was the bigger man, no pun is intended, by letting Rey walk if it's what he wanted. Taking it upon himself to renew his deal for an additional year without any input seems petty while, at the same time, Rey could come off looking petty as well for not showing a little loyalty to a company that's obviously taken good care of him over the years.

 

[Duality777]

As the OP said though, and is very true, perception is everything. Nobody knows all the facts here. Maybe WWE has taken the appropriate action in every situation here.
When you have Del Rio showing up in AAA painting the story of standing up for his culture and pride, and being punished for it (and then stories coming out of WWE trying to ban Del Rio from wrestling in the US for a year instead of just saying something along the lines "this is an unfortunate situation, we are sorry we had to let you go, best of luck in the future") it makes him look like a hero and WWE being the big bad corporation. In the same night you have Mysterio basically saying he loves his people and would be there with them right now if he could be (saying without saying that it's because of WWE that he cannot be), it makes them look worse. Also stories floating around of Ricardo Rodriguez saying he was called Bumblebee (the chubby mexican guy in a bee suit from the simpsons) it's not helping matters. And then them apparently replacing the spanish announce team with a german one (i read there was a german team, i assumed this was a new third team, didn't know it was a replacement).... Is all of this going to make the WWE look bad to someone sitting at home in Mexico.... I'd say so.

 

[MrJay]

As the OP said though, and is very true, perception is everything. Nobody knows all the facts here. Maybe WWE has taken the appropriate action in every situation here.
When you have Del Rio showing up in AAA painting the story of standing up for his culture and pride, and being punished for it (and then stories coming out of WWE trying to ban Del Rio from wrestling in the US for a year instead of just saying something along the lines "this is an unfortunate situation, we are sorry we had to let you go, best of luck in the future") it makes him look like a hero and WWE being the big bad corporation. In the same night you have Mysterio basically saying he loves his people and would be there with them right now if he could be (saying without saying that it's because of WWE that he cannot be), it makes them look worse. Also stories floating around of Ricardo Rodriguez saying he was called Bumblebee (the chubby mexican guy in a bee suit from the simpsons) it's not helping matters. And then them apparently replacing the spanish announce team with a german one (i read there was a german team, i assumed this was a new third team, didn't know it was a replacement).... Is all of this going to make the WWE look bad to someone sitting at home in Mexico.... I'd say so.

At this point, if what was being reported wasn't true, you'd have to think that somebody from the WWE would have come out and attempted to set the record straight. Instead all we got from them when it come out that the guy got racial was "we're not gonna talk anymore about it." And yeah, Del Rio shouldn't have hit him, but obviously going to the higher ups isn't getting anything done because apparently it wasn't the social media guys first run in with one of the wrestlers.

 

[Duality777]

Oh i think Del Rio should have hit him. You insult another mans pride, you take what you get (and in this case another man that would most likely kick your ass, you're an idiot). I mean, was Del Rio supposed to run to management and cry that he was called a name? It's not like Del Rio kicked his ass, he slapped him like the bitch it seems he is, and that should have been the end of it, settled like men, mabye the guy would have learned his lesson.

 

[Slash-LN]

Somebody on this forum (forgive me whoever it was. I can't remember off the top of my head) translated or at least posted a translated interview ADR did and ADR says he handled the situation badly and knows what he did was wrong.

I can't remember if ADR felt like he deserved to be fired or not but he knows he was wrong.

The guy who made the comment should at least be suspended if he hasn't been. I'm not aware of those details and I don't want to speculate.

When Michael Hayes made a racist comment wasn't he suspended for it?

As far as Rey goes if what we're being told is true then there's a clause in his contract that allows WWE to add dates to the end if he hasn't been healthy for a certain amount of time. He's been out off and on for awhile so the WWE put that clause into play. I'm not sure how that is racist.

I don't get the ban on ADR wrestling anywhere in America for a year though. I haven't really looked into it and I don't even know if anyone actually knows what that is about but I don't understand it.

 

[Pedigree1]

I dont blame ADR for slapping this cody guy.. I dont condone it,but dont blame him.. Alberto though,already before this all happened was on thin ice as it is.. His behavior,and attitude towards people was wearing thin.. Of course this cody guy should be fired,there is no doubt there..

But the fact is ADR assaulted him,and cody allegedly said a racist remark.. Until someone other than ADR can verify this,its all speculation.. If proven Cody said this,then of course he should be fired.. You cant fire someone on a rumor,if that turns out to be false and you fire someone,you will face a major lawsuit its called wrongful termination!

In Mysterios case,its not racism at all... I dont understand how that could be viewed as racism.. Mysterio hasnt been healthy in what 6 years or so? His knees are shot,and as far as i Know he still is collecting a paycheck is he not?

 

[Duality777]

In Mysterios case,its not racism at all... I dont understand how that could be viewed as racism.. Mysterio hasnt been healthy in what 6 years or so? His knees are shot,and as far as i Know he still is collecting a paycheck is he not?

It's been reported that he's refusing to cash his checks. But who knows, all we really do is comment on speculations and rumors.

 

[WWEIsLife2]

I am so tired of people all of sudden becoming fans of Alberto Del Rio when a month or two ago people called him the most uninteresting guy on the Roster. Both guys were wrong for what they did and both should have been fired for it. Its 2014 sadly and most people don't get away with assaulting people in the work place even if the other guy might have deserved it.

Rey Mysterio on the other hand I have been a big Fan of his since his WCW days but his best days are far behind him given all the knee injuries he has had. The last big thing he did was winning the WWE Title for an hour before losing it to John Cena 3 years ago. If he wants to not cash his paychecks then thats his issue.

 

[Savior of Silence]

I'm so tired of hearing about this already. Just like this 18 year old being shot in St. Louis, we don't know all the facts and we shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Having said that, Del Rio definitely should have been fired, especially after Barbarino (Welcome Back Kotter reference for the win), or whatever his name is, said he would sue after Del Rio was only suspended. I sympathize with him but it's never okay to physically assault somebody because you're offended over sounds that they made with their mouth. He should have reported it to HR. That's why they're there.

Second of all, we can't conclusively say that this Bambino fella (I'm on a roll) is racist because he made two comments based on racial stereotypes over an 8 month period. Should he have been fired over it? IMO no...but he definitely should have been suspended without pay and been made to take sensitivity classes or something. Maybe even a probationary period afterwards. If he even sneezed wrong after that then he should be wished the best in his future endeavors.

Even if he is racist, it's not something you can then blame on the company as a whole.

As far as the Mysterio thing goes, it's completely unrelated and doesn't warrant any comment beyond this sentence.

I'm tired of the race card being thrown about like it's the end all be all. Get a fucking grip on yourselves.

 

[Kidpolean]

Fired for a racial slur? um maybe at WalMart or something? IDK, I've played sports my whole life and there is "locker room language" that gets pretty nasty sometimes but everyone knows its all in good fun. I wrestle, and racial/homophobic slurs get thrown around the entire time. I'm not saying this is right BUT if this is the case in WWE, which I'm pretty sure it is, than maybe it was said in a joking manner and ADR was having a bad day. Boys will be boys, if you fired everyone for using such language in the locker room than you probably wouldn't have a roster big enough to put on a show.

 

[MrJay]

I'm so tired of hearing about this already. Just like this 18 year old being shot in St. Louis, we don't know all the facts and we shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Having said that, Del Rio definitely should have been fired, especially after Barbarino (Welcome Back Kotter reference for the win), or whatever his name is, said he would sue after Del Rio was only suspended. I sympathize with him but it's never okay to physically assault somebody because you're offended over sounds that they made with their mouth. He should have reported it to HR. That's why they're there.

Second of all, we can't conclusively say that this Bambino fella (I'm on a roll) is racist because he made two comments based on racial stereotypes over an 8 month period. Should he have been fired over it? IMO no...but he definitely should have been suspended without pay and been made to take sensitivity classes or something. Maybe even a probationary period afterwards. If he even sneezed wrong after that then he should be wished the best in his future endeavors.

Even if he is racist, it's not something you can then blame on the company as a whole.

As far as the Mysterio thing goes, it's completely unrelated and doesn't warrant any comment beyond this sentence.

I'm tired of the race card being thrown about like it's the end all be all. Get a fucking grip on yourselves.

I'm tired of people like you who just because you seem to not have a problem with it, you feel that it should be okay. Get the fuck off of your high horse and shut the fuck up.

 

[Kidpolean]

I'm tired of people like you who just because you seem to not have a problem with it, you feel that it should be okay. Get the fuck off of your high horse and shut the fuck up.

Its not that he doesnt have a problem with it, its that the wwe didnt do anything wrong but are constantly being called racist on this forum.

Del Rio 100% should have been fired. He broke the law while at work by assaulting someone. The other guy, just said something that most of society doesn't agree with being appropriate. Racial slurs aren't against the law and they dont physically hurt anyone. Vince obviously didnt feel that it was a big enough issue to fire the guy and its completely his decision. Vince's business is very physically demanding and injuries can potentially cost him money. In an industry where your money depends on people being able to compete, you CAN NOT have someone putting there hands on people backstage AT ALL. The guy saying a racial slur....well suspend him I guess. Maybe even just have a talk with him. But I bet if Del Rio complained instead of slapping the guy than the guy would have had some type of punishment. But once Del Rio struck him, the other guy instantly became the victim and that changes everything.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

WWE has their balls in a sling. They have a choice of getting sued by the stupid mouthed victim who got assaulted in the workplace or coming off as racially insensitive to Latinos. They decided a little bad PR is worse than a big lawsuit. This is probably the better business decision as opposed to the most noble decision.

I think it is interesting in the way it somewhat mirrors the storyline from a couple years ago where Truth and Miz were assaulting WWE employees.