Name: Americo Constantino Active Date(s): 2002-2004 Wrestlers Managed: Billy and Chuck, 3-Minute Warning Occasionally, the WWE takes a break from making fun of ethnic minorities, and takes a few stabs at the LGBT community. This has never gone well. Take, for example, Billy and Chuck, who were two gay wrestlers. That was their entire characterization they had no personality or gimmick outside of being gay. And to top it off, they had Rico, their hairdresser, accompany them to the ring. The irony of mocking gays, while having scantily clad men drenched in oil wrestle each other, is lost on the WWE brass. Rico, unfortunately, was exactly the walking stereotype you would imagine. He was a mincing, fussy preener with exaggerated hand movements and form-fitting outfits the whole nine yards. In recent years, the WWE has established a more stable relationship with GLAAD, and has also spearheaded an anti-bullying campaign. Let's hope we don't endure anything this annoying, or ignorant, in the foreseeable future.
Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.
