NXT's Jordan Myles Blasts WWE Over Offensive T-Shirt Design
WWE have released an official statement in response to social media accusations.
NXT's Jordan Myles put his WWE employers on blast over his first official t-shirt design over the weekend, beginning with a tweet stating they'd "regret making this," before following up with this:-
The design was up for sale on WWE's official webstore via the Custom Tees service, though it has since been pulled and replaced with a new one.
Myles said the following when a fan asked why the promotion even bothered with the original shirt:-
It continued from there. Myles requested his followers support him by turning their Twitter avatars black and white and tweeting with "#ForTheCulture," and boatloads did, with main roster star Cedric Alexander among their number.
WWE have since issued a statement on the matter (h/t Pro Wresting Sheet), claiming the following:-
“Albert Hardie Jr. (aka Jordan Myles) approved this t-shirt for sale. As always, we work collaboratively with all of our performers to develop logos and merchandise designs and get their input and approval before proceeding. This was the same process with Albert, and we responded swiftly once he later requested that the logo/t-shirt be redesigned. No t-shirts were sold.”
Myles is yet to follow-up on this, though the statement wasn't issued until late on Sunday evening. Regardless, it's hard to imagine him consenting to a design so reminiscent of imagery that has been used to racially abuse African Americans.
It's worth noting that Myles hasn't been seen on WWE television for over two months, despite his Breakout Tournament victory seemingly earmarking him for a big push. His last bout was a shot at NXT Champion Adam Cole on the brand's 4 September episode (taped 1 August).
We'll bring you more on this situation as it develops.