“I Think as a Black Talent, I Get Judged More Harshly..”: Ex-WWE Star Opens Up on Saddening Reality of His Career

The people associated with WWE, like the wrestlers, have an image of being tough. However, that’s not always the scenario. Being humans, they also have emotions we tend to forget. But when an Ex-WWE star confessed about his issues, it made the entire industry look more human.

In a recent conversation with Renee Paquette on her podcast, ‘The Sessions,’ the 32-year-old former wrestler revealed his mental health issues. He even confessed that his release from WWE was one reason behind it. 

Stokely Hathaway revealed his distress

We all recognize the renowned wrestling manager and a wrestler himself with the ring name of Malcolm Bivens. One who turned down the contract renewal offer from WWE to prioritize his health.

Recently, the former manager of Diamond Mine, Stokely Hathaway, revealed his reason behind taking such a huge step. He said, “I think for me, there was a lot of pressure. I think there’s always a lot of pressure because I feel like as a black talent, I get judged more harshly than other people. Like, I feel like everything I do is analyzed, over-analyzed, right?”

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While admitting his insecurities, he unabashedly pours out his emotions during the podcast. Further, he admitted that he has been incredibly hard on himself. That also adds to his reasonings for refusing the offer from WWE. To articulate in brief, ‘unhappiness’ was the major reason behind his leaving World Wrestling Entertainment. 

Hathaway and WWE 

As per the official records, Hathaway reportedly refused to renew the contract with WWE, prior to his release. However, he was eventually released by the company on April 29, 2022. 

If we travel back in time, the former American wrestler shook hands with the establishment in 2019. Thus, Hathaway has spent a small time with WWE. 

However, while dealing with his mental issues, he realized something important. As he puts it, “I had to realize that like, it’s wrestling. It’s just wrestling. This isn’t a live or die situation.” This made him take a step away for his own good. 

Some of his statements clearly reflect his distress with the organization. For example, he said, “Everything that was supposed to happen, like, with The Firm, did not happen.” 

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However, being fans, we are more than happy for Stokely Hathaway for prioritizing his mental well-being. This is one topic that is neglected by a lot of us in our daily lives. We all wish good things happen with him, as he is currently a part of All Elite Wrestling.