Bianca Belair has been trending in the last few days due to an Instagram post by WWE 2K. The post featured promotional images of the three protagonists of the WWE 2K24 covers (Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, and Belair). It marks the first time that an African-American wrestler made it to the cover. Belair, a three-time champion, is a prominent figure in the world of wrestling, described as “the fastEST, the strongEST, and the toughEST, with an emphasis on the EST.” But unfortunately, Belair became a victim of racist comments, to the point where some racist fans asked that she be removed from the cover.
The number of racist comments was on the rise, leading many users to come to the defense of the WWE superstar and criticize the attitude of those who intended to sow hatred in the post. And not just users, even other wrestlers are coming to her defense. And this includes one from WWE’s rival promotion as AEW’s Thunder Rosa came to Belair’s defense.
Thunder Rosa backs Bianca Belair
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thunder Rosa is a superstar who knows how difficult it is for an immigrant to make a life in a new country. Unfortunately, facing racism becomes a part of their lives and to overcome that and find major success is extraordinary. And that is why Rosa came out to Belair’s defense in her recent appearance at the Busted Open podcast. The AEW star claimed that she knows how difficult it is for people of color and immigrants to thrive and people should appreciate the fact that Belair is a top star in the WWE. She said, “And at the end of the day, people don’t like who they are putting on the cover of 2k24. It’s who they shows. Why? Because she is the highest star of WWE. She and her husband are very marketable. Her, has done a lot of stuff for the company. She has represented African-Americans and her culture in a way that I don’t think has been represented in a long-long time.”
She further added, “Girls all over love her. People love her work. She is a great athlete and a great performer. And she is just getting started. And she started from the bottom. Nobody hand her anything, nobody. She worked her a*s off, she was not a wrestler. And look at her right now. That’s a humongous accomplishment that she is in a cover like that. For every woman in the world, especially for women of color. So if you don’t like it, Sorry, I am sorry but I am not sorry. But that’s whom they picked to have on the cover. And you either buy the game or you don’t.”
And it’s not just Rosa who came out to support the WWE superstar. Other former and current WWE superstars too came forward to show that they got her back.
WWE stars unite against racism
The unfortunate situation triggered the hashtag #WeLoveYouBianca to trend on social networks. Big E, Zelina Vega, and Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley condemned the racial discrimination on X. Likewise, Big E highlighted the constant struggle of black women in wrestling against the racism and misogyny of some “fans”. He wrote, “The black women in this industry face a regular barrage of racism & misogyny from “fans.” And have for far too long. You cannot diminish their light. You cannot erase their contributions to this industry.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Zelina Vega repudiated the racist comments, calling the perpetrators “embarrassed and ashamed.” Focusing on Belair, Vega highlighted his tireless work, outstanding trajectory, and genuine cultural pride. She wrote, “Bianca is one of the best this business and WORLD has ever seen. When I think of a hard worker, stand-out, path paver, and someone who is genuinely a proud representation of her culture, it’s Bianca. She deserves everything she’s gotten and MORE. She EARNED the name EST.”
Rhea Ripley expressed her support for Belair. She further stressed that “EST” is not just a nickname, but a testament to Belair’s impact on history and her role as a trailblazer. Ripley concluded that the frustration of some stems from Belair’s obvious superiority. She tweeted, “EST ain’t just a nickname… @BiancaBelairWWE is a history maker, a trailblazer, and one of the nicest humans that you would have the privilege to ever meet. Y’all just mad that she’s better than you #EST
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sadly, ‘The EST of WWE’ isn’t the first, nor will be the last, to be the target of hate on social media because of race. Fortunately, the reaction of true fans, as well as peers, has been louder than the unjustified criticism of the wrestler.
