10 Times WWE Used Major News Events In Questionable Taste
1. 9/11 And Islamophobia
Italian-American wrestler Marc Copani had a dream. He would become a professional wrestler, tread the hallowed ring of the WWE, and become a face familiar to millions. He made his way into Ohio Valley Wrestling, proving ground for WWE stars of the future, and won the OVW championship in 2003. The WWE came calling and Marc was ready to realise his dream. What he actually realised was that he was going to be Muhammad Hassan.
Hassan was a broadly-drawn Arabian heel, complete with headdress and Arabic-spouting promos. He debuted at a time when the 9/11 attacks were still fresh in audience minds and Islamophobia was a constant social issue. Any suggestions that Hassan was not supposed to cash in on audience hatred for a 'terrorist' was dispelled after Hassan's match with The Undertaker on SmackDown! in June 2005. After the bouy, Hassan's losing manager Daivari summoned a band of ski-masked associates to beat down 'Taker and carry Hassan from the ring like a martyr.
It took the London bombings a few days later to nix the storyline, which would have seen Hassan feud for the world title in the least tasteful championship match since Hulk Hogan tore up the Iraqi flag in the ring.