WWE Responds to Fans’ Criticism Over Vince McMahon Using the “N-Word” in 2005

In light of WWE firing Hulk Hogan over the use of racial slurs in 2006, many members of the WWE Universe have taken to Youtube and social media to discuss the point when WWE’s CEO used a racial slur at a Pay-Per-View 10 years ago. TMZ.com says that in a new statement given to them, WWE responds to fans’ criticism over Vince McMahon using the “N-Word” in 2005 during a backstage segment.

In the segment, which you can watch below, McMahon walks into then WWE Champion John Cena. Cena’s character was just making the change from “white rapper,” to what it is now. However, Cena was still talking with a different, more “street” tone in his voice, sometimes even still using ebonics and slang.

McMahon, feeding into Cena’s character, approached The Champ and asked him, “What’s good in the hood?” Cena responds by saying he’s just taking care of business. McMahon then says, “Keep it up, my n*gga!”

The camera pans over to another WWE superstar who has used the “N-Word” on television before, former World Heavyweight Champion Booker T, who says a variation of his famous catchphrase, “Tell me…he didn’t just say that…” Fans have been dogging McMahon for firing Hogan for using the word behind closed doors in private, while McMahon uses it during a PPV broadcast, and it’s totally fine.

The racial stereotypical gimmicks and characters of WWE’s past and present have also been fuel for fans’ fire towards WWE’s claim to not being racist. TMZ provides the following statement from WWE in regards to the 2005 segment,

“But a WWE rep says everyone recognizes the 2005 segment “was an outlandish and satirical skit involving fictional characters, similar to that of many scripted television shows and movies.”

Translation: If it’s okay for “The Wire” and “Django Unchained” … it’s okay for the WWE.”

You can watch the segment in question below.

Editor’s Note:

I knew it wouldn’t take long for this segment to start getting attention. What do you think? Should WWE have reacted the way they did towards Hogan, even though McMahon has repeatedly been offensive towards certain races over the last 35-plus years? Let us know in the comments below!