Bobby Lashley became just the third African American WWE Champion on Monday when he defeated The Miz, joining Kofi Kingston and The Rock on an elite list.
Following his WWE Title victory at WrestleMania 35, Kingston often spoke about representation and how his victory could inspire young African American kids to pursue their dreams, whether wrestling or elsewhere, because they saw someone who looked like them at the top of the mountain.
Artist Abdul Malik captured that in a drawing showing a young Black kid standing in front of a mural of The Rock, Lashley, and Kingston, holding a WWE Title.
It’s possible.@FightBobby @TrueKofi @TheRock pic.twitter.com/SUzFATyPCq
— Abdulmalik (@97Abdulmalik) March 3, 2021
This is so dope!
— KOFNAN the Barbarian (@TrueKofi) March 5, 2021
One fan tried to jump into the conversation, wondering why it had to be about race. MVP set him straight, with Lenny Leonard also weighing in.
No. He's not. That is a beautiful statement about representation and inspiration. It means something when your heros look like you.
— MVP (@The305MVP) March 4, 2021
SO many just don't understand this.
— MVP (@The305MVP) March 4, 2021
Finally, The Rock praised MVP for his comments, and for representing alongside Lashley and the rest of The Hurt Business.
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— MVP (@The305MVP) March 4, 2021
You and so many others paved the way for us to do what we do. Without The Great One, there might not be an All Mighty. https://t.co/b1WhKdtt0Q
— Bobby Lashley (@fightbobby) March 4, 2021
Appreciate the kind words brother. Very happy for you and proud. Grab that brass ring and go for it all. You know what to do, champ.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 5, 2021
Represent. #allmighty #peopleschamp https://t.co/ZpxMd9PB9h
Following his WWE Title victory, Lashley posted a message on his Instagram about his perseverance and persistence in becoming champion. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
