Booker T Defends Triple H After Controversial Remarks Over Diversity Criticism

WWE has been criticized for not featuring enough Black male wrestlers in their big events. After WWE Bad Blood, Triple H was asked about this issue. He said that when he looks at wrestlers, he doesn’t think about their color, nationality, or gender—just their talent and he got backlash for the same and now Booker T has defended Triple H as well.

Recently, people have been worried about how Black male wrestlers are treated on WWE’s main roster, especially since they are rarely featured in Premium Live Events. WWE knows about this problem and plans to address it, especially by highlighting Black male singles wrestlers.

At the WWE Bad Blood Post-Show Press Conference, Triple H was asked about the criticism concerning the lack of diversity, especially the absence of Black talent at the event. He responded by saying that he doesn’t judge wrestlers based on their color, nationality, or gender—he only focuses on their talent. Triple H stressed that for him, it’s all about the wrestlers’ abilities, not representation.

“I don’t see the difference in anybody. I don’t see the color. I don’t see the nationality. I don’t see any of it. I just see talent. I don’t see the difference between men and women. I see talent. We tell stories with those talent. How they can handle those stories and how they can represent those stories and how we can bring those stories forward. I don’t keep track of any of that. I do what’s relevant and what is best and what is being delivered the best. That’s what goes. No different than the men and women, who main events. Whatever the biggest stories are, that’s where we go.”

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On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T addressed this topic directly, acknowledging the historical bias against black wrestlers in the industry. While he recognized that such bias has existed, he disagreed with the notion that race plays a role in Triple H’s creative decisions.

Booker T pointed out that the wrestling world has traditionally had more white wrestlers than black wrestlers, which impacts representation. He argued that decisions about who appears on shows should be based on talent and relevance to the storyline, questioning whether any black wrestlers were involved in significant angles that justified their inclusion in the event.

Booker T compared the wrestling business to a “merry-go-round,” noting that visibility can vary over time. Ultimately, Booker T expressed his belief that talent is the primary factor, stating that those who are skilled will naturally rise to the top, regardless of their race.

“Has there been bias in the wrestling business, in the wrestling company before? Yes, there has. … But do I think it’s race-related or anything like that, or someone being belittled on purpose? I don’t.

Then I’m gonna say, okay, what guys are we talking about that we saying that should be on the pay-per-view? Are they in any angles to warrant a reason for being on the pay-per-view? 

I don’t think it’s a black and white thing, I don’t think it’s a race thing at this stage of the game. I think if you’re talented enough, if you’re good, cream is gonna rise to the top every time.”

WWE appears focused on steering clear of controversy surrounding diversity, but it’s unclear when they will begin featuring more diverse talent in their Premium Live Events. Triple H’s recent comments have sparked significant backlash, and fans are eager to see how the company will address this issue in the weeks ahead.