Dr. Shabazz on Representation and Wrestling’s Future
- Author
- Son of Law Productions
- Published
- Fri 12 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tristenlawshow/episodes/Dr--Shabazz-on-Representation-and-Wrestlings-Future-e3849rt
Learn more about Dr. David L. Shabazz and pick up Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (3rd Edition) here: https://davidlshabazz.com
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“Somebody like you doesn’t get to be a world champion.”
That was Triple H’s infamous line to Booker T on the road to WrestleMania 19 — a moment that still stings 20 years later. But what does it really mean for who gets to stand on top in pro wrestling?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David L. Shabazz, professor, historian, and author of Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (Third Edition), to tackle the question at the heart of his book: Who truly deserves to be champion?
We revisit Booker T vs. Triple H, explore the impact of Ron Simmons, Kofi Kingston, Swerve Strickland, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill, and confront wrestling’s long history of stereotypes, politics, and missed opportunities. From Hulk Hogan’s controversies to WWE vs. AEW’s battle over representation, this conversation pulls no punches.
Expect deep analysis, uncomfortable truths, and a powerful reminder of why representation in wrestling matters more than ever.
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00:00 Intro 01:24 My Champion is Black 02:24 Representation in Pro Wrestling 04:05 What Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill Winning Championships 04:55 How is Triple H doing vs Shawn Michaels with Black WWE Wrestlers? 06:34 Black Wrestlers Bring Type Casted 08:18 Why Dr. Shabazz Included Tag Team Champions in his Book 10:24 Who is the First Wrestling Champion Who Represented YOU? 12:57 Why Booker T vs Triple H at WrestleMania 19 the Open? 16:36 What Defines WHO Deserves to be a World Champion? 19:56 Do Black People Draw in Wresting? 21:03 Booker T vs Triple H Who should of Won? 24:42 Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (3rd Edition) 25:18 If Black Wrestlers Could and were allowed to to be seen as Champion 26:48 Has WWE Changed the Definition of Who deserves to be Champion? 28:20 Forgiving Hulk Hogan 31:18 The Legacy of Pro Wrestling’s Black Champions 34:24 Reader Takeaways from Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions 36:16 What Will Fans in 2035 Say About Champions in 2025? 38:52 Mercedes Mone's AEW Run 39:57 About Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (3rd Edition) by Dr. David L. Shabazz 43:52 Final Thoughts 44:37 Outro
