PWP Nation’s Eron Ramadanov talks about how WWE could integrate LGBT characters and themes into weekly programming and doing so with respect and dignity.
WWE Chief Brand Officer and Raw commissioner Stephanie McMahon revealed that WWE is considering introducing LGBT characters and themes to its weekly programming in the near future.
This news has made it to the mainstream media outlets like NBC News, Fox Sports, etc., but has received a mixed reaction by fans and others. And when I say mixed reactions, I don’t mean that people are against this because of characters and storylines having to do with people in the LGBT community, but the intent of this initiative by WWE.
Now, to be completely transparent, I’d like to make it known that I am apart of the LGBT community, so this subject does hit home for me. Personally, my first reaction to hearing the news of WWE trying to take action involving gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender characters or storylines into their programming, I was happy and optimistic. On paper and in theory, this is a great idea that could open up doors for wrestlers in the LGBT community and educate people on the issues that matter within said community.
That’s the biggest key to this entire thing: EDUCATE. Luckily, it appears that Stephanie McMahon understands that issue and how to go about introducing such characters.
At a Beyond Sport United event, McMahon said the following:
“Throughout my life I have grown up knowing gay [WWE] superstars and executives. It’s always been accepted, but now it’s about getting that message out there. When it makes sense … absolutely we will integrate LGBT characters into our programming …. We’ve had GLAAD come in and speak to our entire writing team and give a whole tutorial on sensitivities, the right words, the wrong word [and] why those words matter.”
The key words in that quote is, “when it makes sense.” That’s just what I was looking for when I heard about McMahon’s comments. In WWE, things are larger than life. The characters are expected to be over-the-top and the intent is to get over with the fans. So my main concern is can WWE integrate LGBT characters and themes tastefully?
Short answer: no, probably not.
On a weekly basis, WWE struggles at times to produce a entertaining and well-written show as it is. Fans complain often about the lack of direction and foresight with talent and storylines that seems to never really get better. Now, in all fairness, with the current brand extension, the shows have gotten better, but still have miles to go before most are satisfied with the weekly product.
Now, my concern stems from the idea that the company can’t currently please their fanbase consistently, but now want to try and integrate a community which they really don’t know anything about? No to mention, this billion dollar corporation is run on the creative side by someone who still has a very sophomoric sense of humor and is 71-years old, who has been accused of being our of touch for years.
Take it from me. One group you do not want coming after you in a public relations battle is the LGBT community. So, how can WWE do this? Can it work?
First, they need to stay away from stereotypes. One key element to being offensive is intent. If WWE intents on producing characters that their main trait is that they’re gay or bisexual, that defeats the entire purpose of educating the fanbase. But adding that element into a character and making that one of the many traits to a performer, that’s the proper way to go about it.
A way to not go about this integration is not to stereotype and vilify. For example, on the August 22nd edition of Monday Night Raw, I’m not sure if we saw WWE’s first attempt of integrating the LGBT community. Before a match with Braun Strowman, a local competitor named Johnny Knockout was asked by Raw commentator Byron Saxton, “why did you agree to facing Strowman?” The answer was, “I like big, sweaty men.”
Now, I’m not exactly sure what happened here. Was this local performer going into business for himself and thought that would be a funny line? Was this there attempt to introduce an LGBT character? Did WWE instruct him to say that as a funny line and to shock people? It’s most likely the latter. Either way, if this for example was how WWE thinks someone who is a competitor views wrestling, we have a problem.
As someone who watches professional wrestling almost every day of my life and run a professional wrestling website, I can easily tell you as someone who is gay, sexuality rarely enters my mind and it’s not the reason I love wrestling. Yes, of course, I notice that Finn Balor, Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins are incredibly good looking, but that isn’t why I’m watching, nor is it the main reason as to why I’m involved with professional wrestling. Just like, I’d hope, that fans who are heterosexual don’t solely view Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Becky Lynch or Bayley as simply sex objects. WWE superstars are performers and most importantly competitors. They should be viewed and treated like athletes.
Of course sexuality is a part of human nature, but in a world of athletics, which is what WWE is, there needs to be a balance. I’m not saying that a storyline involving LGBT characters can’t happen, but I am saying that it shouldn’t be a LGBT storyline, rather it should be a romance story just like any other love storyline. Because the two characters happen to be gay or bisexual, doesn’t mean that it should be treated any different than a heterosexual storyline. It shouldn’t be viewed as weird, or odd by the commentary team, nor should anyone involved view it any differently. Remember, the idea is to educate and familiarize people with these types of issues. That’s something the WWE creative team must understand in order to do this properly.
Another key element to WWE truly respecting and understanding LGBT issues is their involvement in putting on events in countries and places that don’t accept the same values.
In February of 2015, the only openly gay superstar on the WWE roster, Darren Young deleted a Tweet directly criticizing the WWE for touring Abu Dhabi, where homosexuality is criminalized, later Tweeting, “My freedom of speech is gone. Gone but not forgotten. I feel like no one has my back and it upsets me. The struggle is real. I’m human.” The WWE responded, reiterating their support of Young and explaining that he wasn’t sent to perform in the United Arab Emirates “for his own protection.”
I absolutely understand Young’s frustration. Why wouldn’t you feel abandoned? WWE is a billion dollar company, that’s number one goal is to make money. That’s clear. But let’s reverse the roles here. Let’s say Abu Dhabi criminalized women being in active competition or just appearing in a live event, do you think the company would be going over there? Do you think Stephanie McMahon would tolerate that? Absolutely not. Why is this any different? If it’s unsafe for Darren Young to go to work and fly with his co-workers to a place where you’re putting on a show, maybe you shouldn’t go there.
This brings me to my closing thoughts on this issue: whether or not WWE really cares about LGBT rights.
Now, I can’t say for sure they do or don’t care about certain issues. I can’t really tell you if Vince McMahon or Stephanie McMahon or Paul Levesque actually care about any initiatives the company displays, whether it’s LGBT issues, the bully campaign, Susan G. Komen, etc. The only thing I can do is go by their actions.
WWE has had years of trying to integrate LGBT issues into storylines, but haven’t. In 2002, there were thoughts on making a top star into someone who was a part of the LGBT community. That idea was ultimately shot down and never really revisited. I believe to truly treat LGBT issues as equal issues to everything else, that’s what WWE needs to do. Take a top star within the company and attach this to their character, instead of making a character from scratch who’s sole identity trait is that they’re gay. Not only should WWE involve overly flamboyant characters, but produce an ass-kicking machine, who wins championships and beats people up. Represent all of the community, not just a portion or stereotype.
In all honesty, my expectations are low. I don’t really think WWE can truly handle LGBT issues within their universe without coming across as offensive or being out of touch with what really matters (sound familiar?). The only way this will work is if they treat these issues and characters with respect and dignity. Involving people who understand the issues that matter and educating the creative team and Vince McMahon is what is going to make or break this idea.
The objective here is to educate and represent. Not to demean or discourage.
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