World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE),formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) has given fans a diverse group of entertainers. Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon understand that in order to increase his demographics, he has to bring in wrestlers that every fan could relate to. The African-American community makes up 26 percent of the viewership for the WWE. Over the past few decades the African-American experience in the WWE has been crucial to its constant improvements.There are a few black wrestlers who’ve left their mark on the sport, while some are starting to establish their own.

A Blast From The Past

Booker T: Booker T was a world-class wrestler, and an elite entertainer. Whether in backstage segments with Goldust, grocery store brawls with Stone Cold Steve Austin, doing spin-a-roonies in the ring, or shouting “Awww, shucky ducky quack-quack!” as a featured WWE commentator Booker T is exhilarating. Booker T overcame a troubled past to become one of the all-time greatest wrestlers, and one of my all-time favorites. His first World Championship victory at Bash at the Beach 2000 was one of the best “feel-good” wrestling moments of my childhood. I still think (scratch that, I still KNOW) he should’ve defeated Triple H for the World Title at WrestleMania 19. If you can’t dig that, “you must be a sucka.”

Ron Simmons: DAMN, Ron Simmons had a hell of a career. In 1992, he became the first-ever RECOGNIZED black World Heavyweight Champion (The National Wrestling Alliance didn’t recognize Bobo Brazil’s title victory over Buddy Rogers in 1962). Although he won his most prestigious championship in the WCW, he probably reached the height of his popularity during his tag team run with John Bradshaw Layfield as the Acolyte Protection Agency during the Attitude Era, that’s if you’re old enough to remember. Ron Simmons was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. Simmons was an incredibly powerful competitor who spoke softly and carried a big Spinebuster. Simmons was selected to the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2012.

Present

Jay Lethal: His impressions are hilarious, his athleticism is impressive, his energy is infectious and he’s always entertaining. He’s a 14-year veteran, the current Ring Of Honor World Champion and he’s still only 30 years old! He has victories over legends like Kurt Angle, Ric Flair, AJ Styles, Alberto Del Rio, Samoa Joe and Jushin Liger. As soon as his Ring Of Honor contract is up, WWE needs to make an aggressive play to sign him to their roster. If you’ve never seen it before, do yourself a favor and search youtube for “Jay Lethal Ric Flair Face Off” to see their classic segment from Impact Wrestling in 2010.

Bobby Lashley: I think of Bobby Lashley as the babyface (good guy) version of Brock Lesnar. Bobby is believable. Lashley is legit. He is a freak of a physical specimen with a skillset to match. Like Lesnar, Lashley has a background in Mixed Martial Arts, with an impressive record of 14 wins and 2 losses. Unlike Lesnar, Lashley is currently splitting his time as one of the top contenders to the TNA Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship, while still also competing in Bellator MMA. I think there is major money in a Brock Lesnar Vs. Bobby Lashley feud.

Future

Sasha Banks: Snoop Dogg’s Cousin isn’t riding his coattails anymore. She’s making a name for herself in a different form of entertainment. Sasha has a defined character that is bossy, cocky, self-centered and shallow which seems traditionally suited for a heel (bad guy) role. She amassed a large fan following without attempting to endear herself to them. That reason might be how well she plays that villain role or it might be her in-ring skill. Sasha is a huge fan of Eddie Guerrero, and you can tell from her technical prowess inside the squared circle. The WWE creative team took notice of Sasha’s fan support, and she has recently shown a change in attitude with what appears to be a babyface turn. Shawn Michaels already has the moniker of Mr. WrestleMania, but could Sasha Banks be Mrs. WrestleMania?