10 Times WWE Blatantly Used Racist Stereotypes

2. 'Sweet' Sapphire

Jinder Mahal Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE

That Juanita Wright was given the name 'Sapphire', an archetypal African American character somewhat in line with the 'Mammy', was no coincidence, even if WWE did rather miss the mark with her portrayal.

It's likely Vince McMahon had Aunt Jemima more in mind when conceptualising Sapphire - a homely, heavy-set stereotype of a black woman - a fact emphasised by Roddy Piper commenting that Dusty Rhode's belle must have ate "too many pancakes". Ignorance may have rendered the name an ill fit, but the character was no less offensive for depicting a different racial caricature.

Sapphire, like Virgil before her, was also 'bought' by Ted DiBiase. The situation was different to that of his manservant, but given Wright was already playing a subtly racist role, it probably wasn't the best apotheosis of her arc.

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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.