The ongoing debate about Bobby Lashley discrimination claims in WWE and AEW resurfaced after recent comments from a WWE legend, who rejected accusations of racial bias involving influential figures like Triple H and industry organizations such as WWE and AEW. The matter has gained traction after MVP, also known by fans as a former member of The Hurt Business, shared details on his experience and views about the company’s direction and leadership last year.
In June of the previous year, MVP, now an AEW star, spoke openly about disagreements with Triple H—the current chief content officer of WWE—over the potential revival of The Hurt Business faction. These disagreements led to rumors among fans and the wrestling community that MVP accused Triple H of racism. However, MVP has since clarified publicly that he never explicitly labeled the WWE executive as racist. Instead, MVP highlighted how, under Triple H’s leadership, Bobby Lashley remained within the mid-card level and was unable to reach top billing or championship-level storylines. This criticism stemmed largely from MVP’s personal observations of how Lashley’s role changed with management transitions, rather than an accusation based solely on race.
The issue of representation was also raised by MVP. He noted the noticeably small number of people of color positioned at the top of the WWE main roster, fueling further discussion about whether systemic issues may be at play. Nonetheless, MVP emphasized that his concerns with Triple H were rooted more in his own personal interactions with the executive than in overt racial mistreatment. MVP’s commentary reignited a larger conversation about diversity, opportunity, and decision-making within WWE and comparable wrestling companies.
WWE Veteran Dutch Mantell Weighs In on Discrimination Allegations
The controversy reached wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell, a respected WWE legend, during an episode of his podcast, Story Time with Dutch Mantell. Addressing the Bobby Lashley discrimination claims in WWE and AEW, Mantell firmly denied believing racism was the reason for Lashley’s position within the company chart. He acknowledged, however, that his knowledge of specific backstage details was limited and, therefore, he could not claim certainty on the matter. Mantell also stated that he gave little weight to MVP’s opinions overall and was dismissive about the significance of such claims.
“And Bobby Lashley, I don’t think he’s been discriminated against because of his race. I don’t think. I have no idea. But anyway, that’s so he can talk, and he is what he is. SO I don’t put a lot of credence into what he says and don’t give a s**t.”
—Dutch Mantell, WWE Legend
Questioning Motivations and The Impact of Repeated Accusations
On the same podcast episode, Dutch Mantell explored why MVP might have made such public comments about Triple H and what, if anything, he hoped to gain from them. Mantell expressed pessimism regarding the effect of repeated public discrimination claims within the wrestling world, suggesting that such allegations have become so common that their impact is diminished, even in cases where legitimate grievances may arise in the future. According to Mantell, persistent focus on the topic could lead to desensitization among audiences and stakeholders, ultimately undermining the gravity of these conversations.
“I don’t get it. I do not get it. I mean, how does that help you? They beat this racism thing into the ground. And when something does come across that could back that up, you know, they’ve already worn it out. You hear it, and you hear it, and you hear it.”
—Dutch Mantell, WWE Legend
Additionally, Mantell remarked that he preferred not to associate with individuals who continually raise such topics, and he suggested that his sentiments were shared by others backstage.
What This Means for WWE, AEW, and Industry Figures
The renewed debate over the Bobby Lashley discrimination claims in WWE and AEW continues to fuel tension and uncertainty both within the wrestling community and among fans. With WWE chief content officer Triple H at the center of these discussions and voices like MVP and Dutch Mantell weighing in candidly, the spotlight remains on how talent is managed and promoted. The conversation reflects broader concerns about representation, equity, and leadership in professional wrestling, as organizations like WWE and AEW strive to balance transparency and public perception with internal decision-making processes. The long-term effects of these ongoing discussions may influence not only the careers of prominent wrestlers like Bobby Lashley but also future policy directions in the world of sports entertainment.
