5 Times Wrestling And Social Media Got Awkward

5. Michael Cole: Homophobe

On March 28, 2011, Josh Matthews posted what might be the most innocuous, nothing tweet of all time: "Chicago!", he wrote, apparently excited about the prospect of appearing in one of WWE's more rowdy cities ahead of Monday Night RAW. No harm there. In response, colleague Michael Cole responded with one word: "F*ggot."

What's more appalling than the slur itself is the casualness with which Cole posted it - as if it was a synonym of "nerd", something millions upon millions of people would not find offensive, something countless closeted WWE fans may have seen and compelled themselves to hide their perfectly natural orientation yet further.

Cole posted this in 2011, decades after political correctness was introduced to the American lexicon - but, to comprehend if not understand, Cole had spent well over a decade immersed within the WWE bubble, a place impervious to outside influence. That said, just one week prior to Cole's tweet, WWE had revised their partnership with G.L.A.A.D. - the same organisation they had alienated by having Billy and Chuck turn face by turning straight in 2002 - in which they promised to once more rid itself of homophobic language and portrayals.

Cole wasn't the only on-air personality with horrendous timing...