The wrestling world is still reeling from the shocking comments made by AEW star MVP, in which he called out WWE’s infamous build-up for the 2003 WrestleMania encounter between Triple H and Booker T. According to MVP, the storyline was an “overtly racist” representation of the company’s history.
A Tale of Two Storylines
As part of his recent podcast appearance, MVP revisited the infamous build-up for Triple H vs. Booker T at WrestleMania 19. MVP, who was a key figure in the storyline as the leader of the stable “Generation Me” at the time, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the way the feud was presented.
MVP’s comments shed light on the inner workings of the WWE’s creative team during that period. It appears that the storyline was crafted with a specific narrative in mind, one that relied heavily on stereotypes and racist undertones. The storyline saw Booker T, a highly respected African American wrestler at the time, being portrayed as a “token” African American character, while Triple H’s character was depicted as the “white savior” who would ultimately save the day.
MVP’s Backlash
MVP, who was a rising star in the WWE at the time, revealed that he had major issues with the direction of the storyline. He felt that the creative team was not taking into account the potential impact of their actions on the wrestlers and the audience.
“I was a part of that storyline, and it was a nightmare to work with,” MVP said. “We were told to play up the ‘us against them’ mentality, with Booker T being the ‘token’ African American character. It was a racist representation of our history, and it’s something that I’m still ashamed of to this day.”
A WWE Perspective
According to a WWE insider, the company has since addressed the concerns surrounding the storyline. The source revealed that the company has implemented new diversity and inclusion protocols to ensure that similar situations are avoided in the future.
“The WWE has come a long way since WrestleMania 19,” the insider said. “We’ve implemented new policies and procedures to ensure that our storylines are respectful and inclusive. We recognize that we’re not perfect, but we’re committed to doing better.”
Implications for the WWE
MVP’s comments have sparked a wider conversation about the WWE’s handling of diversity and inclusion. While the company has made strides in recent years, there is still much work to be done.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, the WWE must remain committed to creating inclusive storylines that respect the experiences and backgrounds of its wrestlers. MVP’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of this responsibility.
AEW’s Support for MVP
MVP’s comments have been met with support from his AEW colleagues. AEW President Tony Khan released a statement praising MVP for speaking out about the issue.
“We stand with MVP and all wrestlers who have been impacted by the WWE’s past mistakes,” Khan said. “We’re committed to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all of our wrestlers and fans.”
Conclusion
MVP’s comments have shed light on a dark period in WWE history. The company’s handling of the Triple H vs. Booker T storyline at WrestleMania 19 was a clear example of racism and insensitivity. While the WWE has made progress in recent years, there is still much work to be done.
MVP’s bravery in speaking out about this issue serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and inclusivity in the world of professional wrestling. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, the WWE must remain committed to creating a more respectful and inclusive environment for all of its wrestlers and fans.