In some respects, the WWE isnt afraid to tackle topical issues. They werent afraid to turn Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter into Tea Party Conservatives at the height of the Tea Partys topical relevance, having the characters go as far as questioning the Presidents American Citizenship and the Citizenship of other illegal aliens. They were overtly racist in the name of American Liberty, and were a direct reflection of current events in the United States, and it worked just fine. This hasnt been confirmed, but it is hard to believe that ongoing racial tension in the United States stemming from the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri didnt have anything to do with the squashing of the original plans for Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E. The WWE was probably afraid to have black characters on their show complaining about not getting a fair shake at the same time as a real life story about black people feeling persecuted by the police departments in their towns becoming part of the national news narrative. Its understandable, but certainly disappointing that in one regard they are more than happy to reflect current events in their product, but not in another. At the end of the day, the WWE is a television show and a storytelling medium. When presented the opportunity to tell meaningful stories about their black superstars, their culture and the way they are viewed at large, the WWE almost exclusively fails. They failed when Booker T challenged Triple H for the World Title at Wrestlemania 19, only to be told that guys like him (meaning black guys) dont get to be champion, only for it to be proven right, and they failed when they canceled plans for Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods to become a trio of marginalized black superstars tired of being held down because it would look bad given the racial tension in parts of America. Storytelling is meant to unite us, and help us find common ground. Booker T winning would have had wrestling fans of all nationalities excited, because everyone can appreciate a story of overcoming oppression. The members of The New Day fighting to be treated with respect at the same time as many black Americans fought for the same in real life would have been a great reflection of the times within a fictional narrative. As things stand with the WWE, their stance on black superstars and to an extent their black fan-base is that aspects of black culture are funny, but black issues are not. That and they will gladly profit from black culture, by using stereotypes under the guise of entertainment, while not contributing to black culture in any respect. Saving the members of The New Day is as simple as being topical, embracing their differences, and giving these three bright and talented young men something to do besides lazily clapping and preaching New Day with absolutely no discernible message or purpose.
Matthew J. Douglas is an emerging screenwriter born in Toronto. A lifelong fascination with what makes a compelling story and the Toni Morrison quote "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." led the often opinionated Matthew to the life of writer. Matthew is also a lifelong WWE fan, and a self diagnosed Reality TV Junkie.
