In a candid interview, former WWE Superstar Andrade El Idolo delves into the complexities of his time in the company, discussing the challenges faced by Latino talent and the perception of their abilities.
A Complicated Experience
Andrade’s journey with WWE was marked by highs and lows, from competing in the NXT brand to achieving a significant amount of mainstream success. However, beneath the surface, he struggled with the perception of his abilities and those of his fellow Latino Superstars. According to Andrade, WWE never outright discriminated against him, but the company’s approach to Latino talent was often dismissive.
“I don’t think WWE was inherently racist towards me, but I do believe that there was a ceiling for Latino talent,” Andrade said in the interview. “It’s not that there was a deliberate attempt to hold us back, but rather an unconscious bias that perpetuated a narrative where Latino teams were never taken seriously.”
The Impact of Latino Teams Being Overlooked
The notion that Latino teams were never taken seriously had far-reaching consequences for Andrade and his contemporaries. It limited their opportunities for growth and exposure, ultimately affecting their careers. This lack of recognition also led to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among the Latino Superstars.
“When you’re constantly being overlooked and undervalued, it takes a toll on your confidence and motivation,” Andrade explained. “You start to wonder if you’re truly good enough or if there’s something inherently wrong with you. It’s a difficult feeling to shake, especially when you see others receiving opportunities that you feel you deserved.”
Andrade’s Time in WWE: A Missed Opportunity?
Andrade’s tenure in WWE was marked by flashes of brilliance, including his critically acclaimed matches against wrestlers like Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole. However, despite his impressive in-ring performances, he often found himself relegated to lower-card storylines or relegated to the background.
“Looking back, I feel like WWE missed an opportunity to showcase my talents on a larger stage,” Andrade reflected. “I had the potential to be a top-tier Superstar, but the company’s hesitation to promote Latino talent held me back. It’s unfortunate, because I know I could have reached greater heights if given the chance.”
Backstage Insight
Sources close to WWE’s creative team have revealed that the company’s approach to Latino talent was often influenced by the marketability of their characters. According to these insiders, WWE placed a high emphasis on creating Superstars with broad appeal, often overlooking the value of culturally relevant characters.
“WWE’s focus on creating Superstars with broad appeal often led to a lack of representation for Latino talent,” a source revealed. “They would try to create Latino characters that fit the mold of what they believed the audience wanted, rather than embracing the unique qualities and experiences that make Latino Superstars special. It’s a missed opportunity, because the more diverse and inclusive the roster is, the more engaging it becomes.”
A Call to Action
Andrade’s interview serves as a poignant reminder of the need for greater representation and inclusion in professional wrestling. By acknowledging the complexities of the issue and the challenges faced by Latino talent, WWE can take the first step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive environment.
“It’s time for WWE to reevaluate their approach to Latino talent,” Andrade said. “I’m not asking for special treatment, but rather an opportunity to shine on the main stage. If WWE is truly committed to creating a more inclusive environment, they need to start by taking a chance on the talented Latino Superstars who have been overlooked for too long.”
By acknowledging the past and taking steps towards a more inclusive future, WWE can create a more vibrant and engaging product that truly reflects the diverse nature of their audience. As Andrade’s story demonstrates, the time for change is now.