Connect with us
Kofi Kingston on being called the first Black WWE Champion
WWE

Pro Wrestling

Kofi Kingston on being called the first Black WWE Champion

The former WWE Champion spoke with D-Von Dudley on the subject of race and its impact on his championship run.

Kofi Kingston is one of the most decorated WWE Superstars in company history. He’s an 11-time Tag Team Champion, a 4-time Intercontinental Champion, a 3-time United States Champion, a Triple Crown Champion, a Grand Slam Champion, and at Wrestlemania 35 he became the first African-born WWE Champion when he defeated defending champ Daniel Bryan.

When Kofi Kingston won the WWE Championship he was hailed by many as the first Black WWE Champion. It meant a lot to a lot of people, and rightfully so as it was a historic moment. It’s especially impactful when you look at WWE’s long track record of issues with racism, sexism, and taking advantage of their employees. Some folks believe Kingston’s world title run was about race, even if it wasn’t meant to be.

Currently the defacto leader of the New Day is out with a back injury, and he recently put some of his free time in the hands of D-Von Dudley as a guest on the WWE Hall of Famer’s podcast, Table Talk.

During their conversation D-Von asked Kingston what he thought about fans hailing him as the first African American to hold the WWE title.

“I think it’s silly that people try to not count The Rock in that category,” said Kingston. “Regardless of what you look like, you are what you are. He’s black. Whether he’s half black, he’s black. I definitely take a lot of pride in that sentiment like you said. I think for a long time, people of color, especially African Americans have been waiting for someone who looks exactly like them to hold that title. I mention it all the time, but, all Twitter and social media, the moment that happened, I got so many different messages. People were in tears. There is a video of MVP crying, which was very legit. He doesn’t like when I bring that up because he doesn’t like it to be known that he cries because he is a tough guy. What’s important for me in this business is to be somebody that inspires other people to go out and do great things.”

“My goal was to become WWE champion at some point, but I never sat back and said, I want to be the first African American or African born WWE Champion,” continued Kingston. “It just started happening. I think about the fact that if Ali doesn’t get hurt before Elimination Chamber, and thin, does this happen? Are we even talking about this moment? It wasn’t part of the plan. It’s not like someone came up to me 11 years ago and said, you know what Kofi, for 11 years, we aren’t even going to let you sniff the WWE Championship. We’re not even going to let you have a match and in the 11th year, we’re going to make it happen. This wasn’t written.  It just happened organically. I think that was part of why it was so special because it happened out of nowhere. Then, the people started demanding it. It wasn’t just African Americans. It was people of all different races. I think that’s the best part because my story is one of struggle. Anybody who has been through anything or has wanted something, they are at that point in their journey and wonder if they can do this. They can look at my story who stuck with it and fought for 11 years and tried to control what he could control and just gave it his all for 11 hard years and finally, the opportunity came and I was ready to capitalize on that opportunity because of all the preparation.”

While Kingston may be out with a back injury, he’s still supporting his fellow New Day member Big E in his newly minted singles run. You can catch Kingston with Big E every Friday on WWE SmackDown at 8pm EST on Fox.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup