How Many Black WWE Champions Are There?By Coder| September 27, 2023 Wrestling Blogs How Many Black WWE Champions Are There? When it comes to representation in professional wrestling, the WWE has made significant strides in recent years. One area that has seen notable progress is the number of black wrestlers who have held the prestigious title of WWE Champion. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of black WWE Champions and celebrate their accomplishments. The First African American WWE Champion: The Rock The Rock, also known as Dwayne Johnson, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history. He made history on November 14, 1998, by becoming the first African American to hold the WWE Championship. The Rock’s charismatic personality and electrifying wrestling skills propelled him to main event status and solidified his place as one of the all-time greats. Booker T: Breaking Barriers Following The Rock’s historic reign, it would be nearly a decade before another black wrestler would capture the WWE Championship. On July 23, 2006, Booker T became only the second African American wrestler to win the coveted title. Booker T’s victory was a milestone moment for black representation in professional wrestling and showcased his undeniable talent both inside and outside of the ring. Kofi Kingston: A Journey Worth Celebrating In more recent years, Kofi Kingston captured the hearts of fans around the world with his incredible journey to becoming WWE Champion. On April 7, 2019, at WrestleMania 35, Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan to win his first WWE Championship. This victory marked a historic moment as Kingston became not only the third African American but also the first African-born wrestler to hold this title. The significance of Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship win cannot be overstated. It symbolized a major step forward in terms of diverse representation within the WWE and served as an inspiration for aspiring black wrestlers everywhere. Other African American Champions While The Rock, Booker T, and Kofi Kingston stand out as the most prominent black WWE Champions, there have been other African American wrestlers who have held various championships within the company. Mark Henry: A powerhouse in the ring, Mark Henry won multiple titles during his tenure with the WWE, including the World Heavyweight Championship. Theodore Long: While not a wrestler himself, Theodore Long became a notable figure as a manager and authority figure in the WWE. He had a brief reign as ECW Champion. Bobby Lashley: Bobby Lashley has had an impressive career both in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He has held various titles throughout his time with the WWE. The Future of Representation The progress made in increasing representation for black wrestlers within the WWE is undoubtedly commendable. However, there is still work to be done to ensure continued diversity and inclusivity. The success of superstars like The Rock, Booker T, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Theodore Long, and Bobby Lashley paves the way for future generations to strive for greatness and break down barriers. In conclusion, while there have been relatively few black WWE Champions throughout history, their impact on professional wrestling cannot be understated. Each champion has left an indelible mark on the industry and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams regardless of racial barriers. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to support diversity and inclusivity in professional wrestling to ensure a brighter and more representative future.