10 Times WWE Blatantly Used Racist Stereotypes

9. Saba Simba

Jinder Mahal Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE.com

"Well that's ridiculous!" blurted out Roddy Piper, as he watched on agog at his friend Tony Atlas inexplicably kitted out in tribal regalia. "Proud of his heritage indeed," crowed Vince McMahon besides the indignant 'Hot Rod', with no real concession given as to precisely what that heritage was.

Viewers were asked to fill in blanks with handily received racial stereotypes. Here was Tony Atlas, fifteen years a pro wrestler and one time Mr. USA, dancing around in feathers for one reason and one reason alone. Atlas himself later praised McMahon for giving him a second chance during a personal nadir, but did he have to repackage him in such a manner?

Put it another way: Jim Neidhart would never have returned as 'Saba Simba'.

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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.