35 Years Of WWE WrestleMania Mistakes

30. WrestleMania VI - Roddy Piper Blacks Up

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In any circumstance, a wrestler 'blacking up' is not just deeply distasteful, but downright offensive. However, it would be more understandable - if no more acceptable - in the case of a heel looking to draw some major heat from a racist angle.

By 1990, Roddy Piper was no longer WWF's top heel, but was a major babyface draw just below Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior. As such, Hot Rod's decision to coat half his body in black paint for his bout with the African-American Allen 'Bad News Brown' Coage at WrestleMania VI is entirely baffling.

Piper later claimed he was trying to channel the spirit of Nelson Mandela by appearing to represent 'all colours', but outwardly the stunt came across as repugnantly racist. Coage was convinced Piper' blacking up was entirely down to a personal dislike of him, claiming he allowed the angle to fly to expose the true nature of the Rowdy one.

Whatever the reason, Piper was forced to pay for his poor judgement. A special solution was needed to remove the dye, but it was replaced with water by perennial prankster André the Giant. Piper spent the next month scrubbing half of his body raw.

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.