Jonathan Gresham Asks Why Black Wrestlers Need To Have A Character

Jonathan Gresham reportedly requested his release before his ROH Championship match at Death Before Dishonor. The former ROH champ allegedly had a heated conversation with Tony Khan regarding the direction of his character. It seemed Gresham’s issues extend way beyond himself.

In an interview with “WrestlePurist,” Gresham opened up about black talents needing to have a character in wrestling. He admitted that it “bothers him” that black talent is often put into comedic roles despite having proficient technical wrestling skills.

It bothers me that you can have white guy, number one with no character, and is great. Then you’ve got black guy — same, but he needs a character. But why? Why can’t he just be a good wrestler? He’s got to be so much more than the other guy that’s World Champion, doesn’t have a character.

Gresham lost the ROH Championship to Claudio Castagnoli. While there’s no confirmation that Gresham has been released from his contract, it has been reported that the former champion may be done with wrestling for the foreseeable future.

What do you make of Jonathan Gresham’s comments regarding black technical wrestlers? Sound off in the comments section below.