10 Times WWE Blatantly Used Racist Stereotypes

7. Virgil

Jinder Mahal Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE

Though Virgil was paid as Ted DiBiase's manservant, the troubling implications of having a black man play obedient to a wealthy white employer were pretty plain to see. When the Million Dollar Man proudly bellowed that he "owned" his new bodyguard during his debut promo, there was little doubt what conclusions those watching were expected to draw.

Virgil, unlike the other wrestlers DiBiase routinely 'paid off', was expected to be at his master's heel at all times, often the subject of humiliating abuse. Eventually, the de facto bondsman threw off the shackles of his oppression, and fought DiBiase for his freedom. It was at the very least a satisfying conclusion to a rather murky on-screen relationship.

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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.