Why do people claim WWE is racist but only bring up black not asians.

[Wrestlingfan100]

I know this subject line will come off as racist but it's not unless you're just a fox-newsbrainwashed clone drone.
Why is it that when everyone brings up how racist WWE is, how there is no black world champ or whatever, they never mention that asians have been treated much worse, at least there's been world heavyweight champions such as Booker T, The Rock, Ron Simmons or what about the whole thing with ADR( if it is true). Why do people in general always act like black people are the only race treated badly.

I'm not glossing over anything, people act like " hey slavery was a thousand years ago", no it ended 149 years ago but the point is racism is not only targeting one race.

 

[JoeFromTomsRiver]

I know this subject line will come off as racist but it's not unless you're just a fox-newsbrainwashed clone drone.
Why is it that when everyone brings up how racist WWE is, how there is no black world champ or whatever, they never mention that asians have been treated much worse, at least there's been world heavyweight champions such as Booker T, The Rock, Ron Simmons or what about the whole thing with ADR( if it is true). Why do people in general always act like black people are the only race treated badly.

I'm not glossing over anything, people act like " hey slavery was a thousand years ago", no it ended 149 years ago but the point is racism is not only targeting one race.

Why would a Fox News "brainswashed clone drone" say this comes off as racist? If anything, one of those people you so eloquently described would be more inclined to say that racism doesn't EXIST.

I probably can't answer your question to your satisfaction. I don't know why there hasn't been an outcry that Asian wrestlers have been treated poorly. Maybe because nobody honestly believes that Tajiri , Funaki, Jimmy Yang, or Yoshi Tatsu should have been WWE Champion.

 

[three count bout]

I don't think it's very fair to suggest that people haven't mentioned that the WWE has handled other races poorly. As a matter of fact when KENTA signed I remember the sentiment going around of "Well WWE has never really pushed an Asian star right I doubt they will start now".

During this Ricardo/ADR scenario there's been talk of a supposedly toxic and openly racist environment in the company.

Booking somebody like shit isn't racist though, if VKM or HHH felt they could make a huge profit off a wrestler by giving them the belt they would.

IMO in 2014 the WWE probably still has a draconian approach to how they choose to present minorities. Again, this isn't racist but it's probably preventing some guys from going further than they possibly can.

 

[The Butcher]

I'm pretty sure to most folks, no matter what channel they get their news from, the only thing that subject line comes off as is hilarious. Next time you go back to fix a typo, go back over the whole thing and throw in some question marks at the end of your questions.

I doubt anybody here can really answer this. There certainly isn't a simple answer, and sociologists have better things to do. If it's about the title belt, maybe Inoki's unrecognized reign was enough to placate the Asian community.

 

[Slash-LN]

Actually it tends to be brought up in those threads and multiple people will say the same thing.

WWE racist thread about black people tends to get "So what about Asians? Does that bother you?"

"What about people from other races? Does that bother you?"

Sure the threads are almost always started by black people and are aimed at the black wrestlers not getting the world title or whatever but other people do jump in there with other races.

And maybe it's just that there are more black fans than there are Asians or whatever. And there are usually more black wrestlers on the roster than there are Asian. So there's more of a chance for people to say x black wrestler deserves the title or a better push or whatever.

Of course I could be totally wrong on that.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Iran is in Asia and the Iron Sheik is from Iran and he was champion at one point so there is no chance that there has ever been any racism against Asians in WWE.

The argument that WWE is racist because they've never had a 100% black champion on their main brand that was clearly also the top guy in the company is bunk. Oh, and there was also Yokozuna.

Plus isn't Daniel Bryan Asian?

 

[Pay Per Ghost]

Iran is in Asia and the Iron Sheik is from Iran and he was champion at one point so there is no chance that there has ever been any racism against Asians in WWE.

The argument that WWE is racist because they've never had a 100% black champion on their main brand that was clearly also the top guy in the company is bunk. Oh, and there was also Yokozuna.

Plus isn't Daniel Bryan Asian?

I think he is 1/4th Jewish and Israel is in Asia...

Sorry, well Muhammed Hassan. Here was a guy who actually made a lot of sense when he spoke but got that proper Un-American heat; better than the UnAmericans actually!

If you are good enough and are making money, you'll get a run with the title. Asians have always had a place in pro-wrestling.

 

[Earth_2_Superman]

I think he is 1/4th Jewish and Israel is in Asia...

Sorry, well Muhammed Hassan. Here was a guy who actually made a lot of sense when he spoke but got that proper Un-American heat; better than the UnAmericans actually!

If you are good enough and are making money, you'll get a run with the title. Asians have always had a place in pro-wrestling.

Hassan was born and raised in America...and is of Italian descent. Also, his character was born in America. They've always made it known that he was "Arab American" in his promos.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

It's been brought up on a number of threads regarding race in WWE. As some others have already mentioned, there's probably no single, simple answer to the question.

If you look at the rosters of WWE, TNA, WCW, ROH and any number of companies active in the United States during territory days, the vast majority of stars have been Caucasian. However, there've been quite a few wrestlers of different ethnicities who've had successful careers in WWE.

*Pedro Morales was WWWF Champion once for nearly 3 years, Held the WWF Intercontinental Championship 2 times, held the WWF Tag Team Championship once with Bob Backlund, making him the company's first "triple crown champion" in its history.

*Mr. Fuji was a 5 time WWWF/WWF Tag Team Champion, 3 times with Toru Tanaka and 2 times with Mr. Saito.

*The Wild Samoans were 3 time WWF Tag Team Champions.

*Tito Santana was WWF Intercontinental Champion & WWF Tag Team Champion twice each.

*Yokozuna, real name Rodney Anoa'i, was a 2 time WWF Champion and 2 time WWF Tag Team Champion with Own Hart.

*Kofi Kingston is a 4 time WWF Intercontinental Champion, 3 time WWE Tag Team Champion and a 3 time WWE United States Champion.

*Rey Mysterio is a 3 time World Champion, 2 time WWE Intercontinental Champion and 4 time WWE Tag Team Champion.

*The Rock's career speaks for itself as he's a 10 time World Champion, 5 time Tag Team Champion and 2 time Intercontinental Champion.

Granted, not all of these wrestlers have been main eventers, but so what? Look how many Caucasian wrestlers have been through WWE over its history and didn't make main event status. You also have to take into account ethnic populations of the United States as some 72-74% of the population of the United States is Caucasian. Since nearly three quarters of the United States population of roughly 318.5 million people is Caucasian, it's not illogical to reason why most of the roster of WWE and most other companies in the United States in any industry, for that matter, is comprised of Caucasians. In Japan, only 1.5% of the population is made up of foreigners, which means there are considerably fewer Caucasian wrestlers in Japan than native Japanese wrestlers.

Pertaining to Asians, or racial minorities in general, one thing that's beyond doubt is that WWE has relied far too much on characters or gimmicks supported on cultural stereotypes. It's something that they've moved much farther away from in recent years, though I don't believe some of them can be interpreted as being intentionally offensive. Take Los Matadores as an example; two young men of Hispanic/Latino descent dressed in gaudy, colorful ring gear while wearing colorful masks over their faces. Is it a cultural stereotype? To some degree yes because that their ring gear looks similar in design to the costumes worn by matadors. At the same time, however, the fact that they're dressed in gaudy, colorful ring gear while wearing masks is dirt basic description of probably 70% of Mexican wrestlers.

 

[Lee]

The Great Khali is a former WHC champion, one of the last people to 'squash' the Undertaker in the match. He's from Indian which is very much in Asia. He's 41, slow and killed a man in the ring once yet WWE still have him on TV and have given him the chance before.

 

[Griezz]

Jack-Hammer, that's still racist in a way. Did you know that, in many of the Far Eastern countries, one of the most offensive things that you can do is to confuse their people with another? For example, going to Korea and referring to them as "Japs" is sure to get a severe reaction. Why? Because it displays blatant ignorance and is demeaning to them. The reason I mention this is that the WWE seems to regularly do it with non whites.

Tony Atlas was a decorated wrestling champion and celebrated bodybuilder; he had spent years in the WWWF and WWF as "Mr. USA". But, when a destitute Atlas tried to come back in the early 1990s, he was tied to the silly "Saba Simba" gimmick. Why? Because he's black so let's say he's from Africa.

Later, you have the extremely talented Kofi Kingston. While an actual native of Ghana, the WWE decided to toss his heritage out and try to pass him off as Jamaican. Eventually, the Jamaica background was dropped when the truth came out, but even the fact that Kingston has been Intercontinental, United States or Tag Team Champion a combined total of 10 times... just how many times in the eight years that he has been in the WWE that Kingston has had a chance to talk or be interviewed? Sure, he had the usual introductory vignettes when he began, but since then... nothing!

Yokozuna? Don't forget that he was a Samoan doing a Japanese gimmick.
Speaking of Samoans, it's hard to really use them to show a fair look at Pacific-Asian cultures, given that the overwhelming majority of the Oceanic wrestlers in US pro wrestling all come from, what, three families? (The Ano'ai family, the Fifitas and the Reihers/Snukas of Fiji.)

Out-and-out racism? Possibly, but you'd have to be an insider to know for sure. However, the WWE by its very nature, is extremely prone to stereotyping. Of course, no one offended can complain, because they'd just be out of a job, so they have to take it.

 

[JoeyJoeJoe]

Whether or not someone is a title holder in the WWE has no bearing on whether the promotion is racist. Ultimately, the WWE is going to put titles on whoever they feel is going to bring in viewers, regardless of their race.

The problem is that the WWE frequently resorts to racial stereotypes that are on one hand caricatures, but on the other hand, are just insensitive stupidity.

Examples:

• Hunico and Camacho's lowrider bike entrance
• William Regal's assistant/idiot manservant Tajiri
• The Triple H/Booker T feud -- "People like you"
• Cryme Time. I mean, c'mon....really?
• Fit Finley and Hornswoggle -- Let's get the Irish in on this too while we're at it.
• Mark Henry..."The Silverback"

This isn't even counting all the crap that has often been applauded in wrestling's history, such as Roddy Piper coming to WrestleMania 6 in black face, or his Piper's Pit segment with Jimmy Snuka.

There's a fine line in wrestling between portraying caricatures and crossing the line into overt racist storylines. I think the WWE has often found itself on the other side of that line. The fact that others are rewarded for their work is besides the point (Yokozuna, The Rock, Kofi, etc). I don't think the WWE sets out to be racist...it just often doesn't care one way or the other about what it's putting out there as its product.

And personally...I think the WWE is far more misogynistic than it is racist.

 

[Navi]

I'm surprised that no one has brought up Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. While being born in the US, his mother is Japanese, and he has won a shitload of titles over the years. So there is an at least half Asian wrestler who has done well for himself, and I don't think he was ever held back because of his heritage.

To tell you the truth these kinds of subjects are nothing but a distraction. If the title belts change hands too often, then everyone claims they are de-valued. If the main eventers are from a certain background now the WWE is racist.

So what is the answer here? Do they push everyone in sight and make them all WWE Champions for a month or so, then pass the belt to someone else. So this month Kofi will be champion, next month Kenta, next month Reings then Ziggler. Sounds stupid right, but that is what is being advocated here.

Climbing the ladder to get a title shot is a long process, and not everyone is going to get that chance, only a certain few would and should. Just because the guy in the back with the polka dot shirt on never got a shot at it, doesn't make the WWE racist against polka dots. Maybe there were others who deserved it more at the time. He was just in the wrong place, wrong time. Maybe in 5 years someone with a polka dot shirt will win the belts, and then we can go on about the WWE being racist against someone who wears stripes.

 

[jacdnwarrior]

There has probably been more AA (African American, Canadian etc.) wrestlers in America than Asian wrestlers. Many of the Asian wrestlers do face a problem with the language barrier which could be a problem for promoters making them a world champion or main stay unless, you decide that the champ will never talk and/or has a manager or just use the accent or trouble with dialogue to your advantage (Humour etc.). That would be ok but it does have limitations there. The other issue is depending on the background, if you're Chinese or Japanese, you can work in Japanese promotions and never set foot in the US. Latin or Hispanic wrestlers can work elsewhere (Mexico is one place, not for everyone but it's there). AA don't have a place specifically for them in that way.

I have seen the topic and issue brought up many times and many times it has been stated that Asian performers aren't getting pushed either. I do appreciate that not every one can be champ but just wish they invested more into building up other performers from other backgrounds.

 

[Alastor]

Batista is half Filipino, Khali was an Indian WHC champ so there are recent examples of 'Asian' wrestlers being well represented.

As for the OP question why racism is often brought up along with black people, well that's all about racial politics in America more than anything. It is a society problem rather than anything to do with wrestling or the quality of wrestlers. When there were black wrestlers that WWE thought were main event worthy, they were pushed as well. Lashley, Booker T etc. were given solid pushes.

Sure locker room talk might delve into racist/bigot territory but that happens in any group of performers/sports team that are made up of a majority of a single race or background. Look at NBA culture or Hip Hop culture where blacks make up the majority of the performers/athletes. White people can't jump. Asians can't play. Black players need to stick together etc. Nobody is 100% PC in such environment and sometimes things get heated if the other party took it the wrong way.

 

[QuadrupleH]

I think part of the issue too is that Asian people are one of those groups of races that seem to be "okay" to be racist against for whatever reason. Same as its okay to make fun of fat people and, until recently, gay people.

Watch any comedy show and you will see blatant examples of racist Asian stereotypes, impersonations, and jokes, yet not one causes an uproar.

Maybe Asian people have a better sense of humor than other races? I don't know - I'm not Asian. Same goes for Irish - you can call someone a "drunk Irishman" or "Irish fighter" and its fine. You can insinuate Italians love to eat pizza and meatballs and have greasy hair and that is fine. Its a curious thing. For some reason certain races seem to have rubber skin and not get bothered by it. And it has nothing to do with histories of discrimination or slavery - Italians, Irish, and Asians were all treated horribly, enslaved, and so forth.

Were there Irish and Italian champions by the way? I guess Shaemus, but who else? How about American Indians? Any Haitian champions? Scottish? Lebanese? African (meaning straight from Africa)? How about the other 180 countries?

 

[The Butcher]

Were there Irish and Italian champions by the way? I guess Shaemus, but who else? How about American Indians? Any Haitian champions? Scottish? Lebanese? African (meaning straight from Africa)? How about the other 180 countries?

The name 'Bruno Sammartino' ring a bell? And Africa is not a country.

(Sorry for the short post, staff, but we've all got to do our part to pass on wrestling's history. Otherwise WWE will do it and we don't want that)

 

[THTRobtaylor]

WWE is racist against Asians because:-
A) They just signed Japan's biggest star, made a big deal about it and pretty much guaranteed that he is going to be a big deal, not a jobber.

B) They employ an Indian man (now a US Citizen) who clearly is past his prime physically and is arguably disabled due to pituitary surgery when all conventional wisdom says release him.

Utter shite... the biggest issue Asian workers have is the English/mic aspect of it and that kills careers that are not Asian (or black)... Mason Ryan, had EVERYTHING to succeed except he spoke in the thickest Welsh accent imaginable and had no chance of shaking it... most American's can;t understand an English accent, much less a dialect like Ryan's accent... but WWE isn't "racist to the Welsh" or to Scots for firing Drew...

They are guilty of sterotyping in the past, but so are all TV shows... Hakushi proved they have no problem showcasing talents that are Asian, Tajiri more so...but of course what people conveniently forget is that Tajiri was a bloody funny guy... he didn't hate being Regal's foil... he clearly was having a lot of fun, even if there was bit of typing in there... they used him to his best skills and advantage, he got titles, push... so did Ultimo Drago... even Kenzo Suzuki got the Tag belts and US title shots... so where is this racism?

 

[wwesux]

Of course worst wrestling excrement (ever) is racist towards black and Hispanics. When Carlito Colon wasn t used he was a benchwarmer that is why he left wwe same with how they treated his brothers on the backburner that's where they are now. Albert Del Rio and RIcardo Rodriguez where let go where TNA would have no problem with Hispanics and blacks! Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio Jr are being put down constantly! Look at Ron Truth, Titus O Neil, Darren Young, Big E Langston, Xavier Woods(Consequences Creed) Mark Henry they are all benchwarmers that is a waste of money that wwe is throwing no wonder they are losing a lot

 

[QuadrupleH]

Thanks Butcher - forgot about Bruno.

And yeah, lol, Africa is a continent, not a country. Good catch.

Mostly I was being an idiot because people always point out there are never enough stars of "x" color - conveniently leaving off all the other races with the same issue because those races are not important to them.

Bottom line is wrestling is a business. If a star is pink polka dotted and will make the company money, they will push him unless he has some issues. Not every person on the roster can get a push, so you have to push the ones you think are going to bring in the most money, but I guess it is easier to blame the WWE on being racist in regards to pushing talent than really thinking the issue through.

 

[J.J.]

I'm not glossing over anything, people act like " hey slavery was a thousand years ago", no it ended 149 years ago but the point is racism is not only targeting one race.

This is why I dislike subjects like this on this forum. That statement is irrelevant.

Minority wrestlers in general get the silly stereotypical gimmicks. I always thought Ricky Steamboat's WWE run and his dragon gimmick was stereotypical and stupid. He was much better off in NWA.

Let me disregard guys like Batista and Khali for example. Would you take Jimmy Wang Yang or Tajiri as a serious title contender? Or Funaki or TAKA?

 

[blueskyy]

What exactly are you trying to ask?

1. WWE is racist?
2. WWE is racist against blacks?
3. WWE is racist against asians?
4. WWE is racist against blacks and asians?
5. Forum discussion are often only about blacks?

I can only answer the last question. Because blacks are the most vocal (or noisy, whichever way you chose to look at it) group on the internet. Of course, not all blacks behaves that way, but that seems to be the trend.

 

[NegativeFeedback]

This is just a stupid thread. I've read TONS of comments on the internet about WWE being racist against Asians. Kai En Tai, Tajiri, Sakamoto and Tensai, etc. They even made fun of Sumo by turning a legit sumo match into a comedic segment for people to make fun of Big Show's attire. This criticism is all over the net. You shouldn't be posting silly questions just because you're living in a bubble.

 

[pipebomber]

Iran is in Asia and the Iron Sheik is from Iran and he was champion at one point so there is no chance that there has ever been any racism against Asians in WWE.

The argument that WWE is racist because they've never had a 100% black champion on their main brand that was clearly also the top guy in the company is bunk. Oh, and there was also Yokozuna.

Plus isn't Daniel Bryan Asian?

also Antonio Inoki is a former WWWF champion, although his reign is not officially recognized by WWE he won the title on Nov 30th and vacated the title on Dec 6.

I have always said that races plays a factor in gimmicks simply due to trying to present stars as they will be perceived. I also say this is exclusive to NOBODY. In fact it happens to white people too. believe it or not Roddy Pipper is NOT from Scotland, he is from CANADA. Santino is NOT from Italy. he is also from Canada.

 

[Vintage]

Simply put OP

There is little to no Asian representation on WWE, so in all honesty I just think they tend to get overlooked in the complaint department. When it comes to the black wrestlers.. it's quite a bit more in your face.