If I May Speak Candidly… Three Is Better Than One

Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill and Naomi courtesy of WWE.com

Originally published on April 15, 2024.

The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.

It has been a week since WrestleMania 40, the biggest WrestleMania of all time, and I am still reeling from one of the most monumental moments from night one. The debut of Jade Cargill, the return of Naomi, and the un-de-feat-ed WrESTleMania streak of Bianca Belair. And while it was a beautiful moment that should be celebrated, many chose to find fault with those who are part of the culture.

Two years ago, two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, Trinity Fatu, also known as Naomi, along with her friend, tag-team partner, and five-time WWE Women’s Champion, Mercedes Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks, departed from WWE, citing mistreatment in a hostile work environment. Throughout their time away from wrestling, both Trinity and Mercedes found solace in modeling and acting, but eventually returned to their passion for wrestling. Trinity joined the promotion IMPACT, while Mercedes signed with NJPW and AEW, respectively. During this time, Bianca Belair, a three-time WWE Women’s Champion, stood as the sole active Black female wrestler on the main roster of WWE, carrying the women’s division, alongside other hardworking wrestlers who were equally present and active. This fact is indisputable. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill, a former AEW wrestler and one-time TBS Champion, wasn’t being booked to the satisfaction of her fans, the “Baddies.” A catalog of 3-minute matches and no real substance or story with her 508-day title reign.

Two years later, Trinity returns to WWE after a successful title reign as IMPACT’s Knockout champion, while Jade’s 50–0 title reign comes to an end with the return of Kris Statlander, a one-time TBS champion, leading to a nationwide news announcement of her signing with WWE. Now Belair is joined by two incredibly talented women to help reintroduce diversity into the main roster of the women’s division during WWE’s new era launch.

But let’s talk about the importance of the representation of Black wrestlers in sports entertainment. If you are reading this, then you are most likely familiar with my social media accounts and for the last two weeks, I have been screaming from the rooftop about the gravity of Black representation of athletes for young Black children. Children need role models, and as a parent, I believe that while I am the primary role model for my child, it’s also important for him to see people, who are doing good for others, well for themselves, and who look like him represent in the media he enjoys watching. I think it is extremely impactful and encouraging for children to see successful adults in highly respected positions, specifically young Black children.

Now let me also reiterate that representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about authenticity and honesty. It’s about sharing stories that resonate, portraying characters with depth and substance, and giving a voice to experiences that might otherwise go unheard. And with Trinity, Mercedes, Bianca, Jade, Willow, Red Velvet, Trish Adora, Swole, and a whole host of other immensely talented Black women athletes gracing our TV screens, the wrestling world is finally starting to reflect the rich diversity of the real world.

And let’s not overlook the unsung heroes — women who may not have always basked in the spotlight but left an indelible mark on wrestling. Jazz, Queen Sharmell, Jacqueline, Alicia Fox, Kristal Marshall, Kharma, Brandi Rhodes, Shaniqua, and countless others. These women weren’t merely background players; they were game-changers in their own right. However, despite their undeniable talent and contributions, the harsh reality is that for far too long, Black female wrestlers were sidelined, their stories untold and their voices silenced.

There’s a legacy of exclusion and marginalization that stretches as far back as wrestling has been recognized as a sport — a legacy that needs to be completely eradicated. Yet, thanks to the efforts of trailblazers like Trinity, Mercedes, Bianca, and Jade, the tide is finally turning, and the women who came before them are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.