Former WWE Star Reveals Email He Sent To WWE About Racism

Former WWE star Lio Rush has been in the news quite a bit since being released in April. He has always been someone with heat attached to his name and now he has taken the time to state his side of things.

In an Instagram post, Rush said that attacks on his character had gone on for too long. In order to empower others and himself, he posted emails he sent in November of 2018 discussing what he felt were racially insensitive acts during his time in WWE.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBEEC1npPTC/

“Dear [NAME REDACTED],

I would like to bring to your attention behavior that has escalated over the past 2 weeks.

The situation started with a fairly mellow conversation with [NAME REDACTED] after a bus ride he pulled me to the side and explain how it’s expected as a gesture of respect for the new wrestlers to offer beers and drinks to the guys who’ve been here longer and ask that I also help carry coolers off the bus.

I didn’t think much of this until another conversation was brought to me by one of the [NAME REDACTED] who reenforced what [NAME REDACTED] had said and advised me that it was in my best interest to comply as well as telling me that new wrestlers are expected to help carry the older guys bags off from underneath the bus.

The situation took a more negative turn when [NAME REDACTED] approached me about the same subject during my personal time, and added the warning that other wrestlers are talking negatively behind my back because of my unwillingness to hand out alcohol and carry other wrestlers bags.

The situation drastically escalated at the bologna live events 20 minutes before I was scheduled to perform. Once again, [NAME REDACTED] pulled me to the side in gorilla telling me that other wrestlers are continuing to talk negatively about me and advised that I comply with the demands of the other wrestlers. Furthermore he told me that a female wrestler had accused my fiance of entering the female locker room.

The negative gossip surrounding my name has escalated to out right lies in order to damage my professional reputation. At no point did my fiance enter the female locker room or any locker room for that matter. WWE security were witness to myself and my fiance waiting in the stands pre show for 4 hours.

As for the continued harassment to serve other wrestlers with beer and to carry their luggage, I fundamentally disagree with this type of hazing. It is not within my job description or contract to perform duties of this kind. I would like it to be noted that I don’t consider myself about any particular type of task, when breaking down rings at NXT was apart of my duties, I performed all duties happily and professionally. However what I am being told to do here is degrading and unprofessional. I don’t believe that any of us are above or below each other. No one should be asked to serve another person or carry their belongings, but I feel strongly about this matter being a young African American male. I find these demands to be racially insensitive.

I feel that my non compliace has resulted in a escalating harassment that I find to be unacceptable.

I would like to discuss this matter with you in person as soon as possible.

I appreciate your time.”

Well, that is an email. It is no secret that Lio Rush was not popular during his time with WWE. Even from before his debut he had people upset regarding him no-selling a powerbomb from the top of a ladder. Regardless, he has clearly had enough.

With all of the Black Lives Matter protests happening throughout the world right now wrestlers have been posting messages to support the movement. That clearly had a part to play in this message.

What do you think of this post from Lio Rush? Let us know on Twitter!

• email
• racism
• Lio Rush
• wwe

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