Big E is proud to be a WWE Champion and believes it’s a great time for Black athletes in the professional wrestling industry.
WWE Champion Big E recently sat down with Rodney Ho of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to discuss a variety of subjects. When asked what it feels like to be the fourth Black WWE Champion, Big E says he believes that professional wrestling is entering a boom period for Black men and women in the industry right now.
“I think right now it’s just a great time for Black men and women in our industry,” Big E said. “We’re in a boom period because there is so much talent who are very good and happen to be Black whether it’s Bianca Belair, Sasha Banks or Bobby Lashley, who I won the title from. A couple of years ago, it was Kofi Kingston, my partner of seven years with New Day. They’re all richly deserving from what I’ve seen. When you talk about inclusion or diversity, I think it’s important you’re not just putting people of color in these positions merely because they’re a person of color. When you look at Bianca, Sasha and Bobby, they’re all talented and unique and they just so happen to be Black.”
When asked if the push of Black talent across the board takes the pressure off of him personally, Big E believes that it does as it allows him to just be himself:
“For sure. When you have a sea of Black talent, gay and lesbian talent, talent from all these different backgrounds, when you’re not the only one, you don’t have to speak for everyone,” Big E said. “I’m proud to be a Black man in this industry but I don’t have to be everything for all Black people. I can just be myself.”
READ MORE: Big E On His In-Ring Career: I Have A ‘Few More Years’ Left, I’m Not Sure How Long
What do you make of Big E’s comments? Which Black wrestlers would you like to see enter the main event scene in 2022? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
