Ahmed Johnson, a former professional wrestler, has recently opened up about the racial abuse he endured during his time in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Johnson made history on June 23, 1996, when he defeated Goldust at the King of the Ring event, becoming the first African-American Intercontinental Champion in WWE’s history. However, his tenure with the company came to an end in 1998 after he refused to participate in a segment that involved a racially insensitive portrayal.
During an interview with Monte & The Pharaoh, Johnson shed light on the existence of racism backstage during his WWE days. While he clarified that the racism wasn’t necessarily directed from WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon, he hinted at fellow wrestler Shawn Michaels, a two-time Hall of Famer, potentially making racist remarks towards him.
“It [racism] wasn’t necessarily with Vince, it was with the boys, with Shawn and all of them,” Johnson revealed during the interview.
Moreover, Johnson shared a distressing incident that occurred after his groundbreaking victory over Goldust. Upon returning to his car, he discovered a racial slur had been scratched onto it. The message read, “Congratulations, n****r.” Though Johnson strongly believes that one of his fellow wrestlers was responsible, he acknowledged that he couldn’t provide concrete evidence to support his suspicion.
The revelation of racially motivated incidents within the wrestling industry underscores the ongoing issue of discrimination and prejudice faced by individuals of color. Johnson’s decision to speak out about his experiences raises awareness about the importance of confronting racism in all forms, including within professional environments.
“It [racism] wasn’t necessarily with Vince [WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon],” Johnson said. “It was with the boys, with Shawn and all of them.
When I won the Intercontinental Championship, I went out to my car and somebody had scratched on it, ‘Congratulations, n****r.’ I believe it was one of the boys. I mean, I can’t prove it.”
