The WWE’s Reaction to Black Wrestlers Insulting Hulk Hogan on Live TV: A Feud or a Scripted Plot Twist?
In the world of professional wrestling, the line between reality and performance is often blurred. When it comes to a scenario where Black wrestlers might go on live television and call Hulk Hogan a racist, the consequences could be dire for both the performers and the brand. This article delves into the complexities and potential outcomes of such a situation, analyzed under the lens of current WWE dynamics.
Understanding WWE’s Performance Dimensions
The WWE is renowned for its storytelling and scripted events. Characters andstorylines are meticulously crafted to entertain audiences, making the distinction between reality and fiction somewhat fluid. For instance, actors in a theater production who blurt out offensive language off-script would likely face severe consequences. Similarly, in the WWE, any deviation from the pre-planned script could result in severe repercussions, including censure or termination.
The Current WWE Landscape
While the current situation sees Triple H at the helm, any hypothetical actions by Vince McMahon are irrelevant given his retirement. The Black wrestlers in question are employees of WWE, not other wrestling organizations like AEW. Therefore, their actions would significantly impact their career within the WWE. Moreover, engaging in a public feud with a figure like Hulk Hogan, who is widely revered, would likely end in a negative public and professional response.
Possible Outcomes if the Feud Were Scripted
If a situation were to arise where Black wrestlers insult Hulk Hogan as part of a scripted story, the WWE might attempt to use this to their advantage. Here are two plausible scenarios:
Scenario 1: Black Wrestlers Become Heels, Hulk Hogan Becomes a Face
In this scenario, the Black wrestlers would be portrayed as antagonistic characters, or “heels,” while Hulk Hogan would present as the heroic “face” of the company. At the next pay-per-view event, Hogan might step outside of retirement to defeat the Black wrestlers. While this storyline sounds dramatic, it’s likely a poor move for the WWE, as it could damage Hogan’s reputation and strain relationships within the company.
Scenario 2: Black Wrestlers Become Middle Ground Characters
Another possibility is that the Black wrestlers would be cast as neutral characters, or “tweeners,” in the wrestling lexicon. Hulk Hogan, being a longstanding and respected legend, often maintains a neutral position to avoid alienating his fanbase. In this scenario, Hogan could take a backseat while the Black wrestlers establish a new on-screen persona. This could serve as a temporary shift in the storyline, but it wouldn’t fundamentally change the dynamic between the wrestlers and the audience.
The Controversy of Accusing Hulk Hogan of Racism
It's crucial to consider the potential backlash such a statement might provoke. Accusing Hulk Hogan, who has a significant fanbase and a history of charitable work, of being a racist could be highly controversial. Such an accusation would likely draw criticism from fans and sponsors.
Even if the intention were to provoke a reaction, it's unlikely that the audience would respond positively to such a claim. The fans of both Hogan and the Black wrestling community would likely unite against such a move, making it challenging for the Black wrestlers to garner support.
The Role of Music in Wrestling Storylines
Despite the challenges, it's not unprecedented for wrestlers to use music to express their dissatisfaction. Diss tracks against Hulk Hogan have occurred in the past, and such tracks might serve as a more subtle way to convey their message. For instance, a wrestler like Chad Gable or Gunther could work within the WWE’s storytelling framework to craft a narrative where they adopt a “Black faces vs. White racist heel” dynamic. This approach might sidestep immediate conflict while still conveying the intended message.
Conclusion
Engaging in public feuds or making offensive comments in the WWE is fraught with risks. If Black wrestlers were to go live and insult Hulk Hogan, it would likely be a scripted response to either enhance the storyline or serve as a unique twist. The WWE, under the leadership of Triple H, would likely seek to navigate this situation carefully to avoid damaging the brand and the reputation of the legends within it.