The booking and storytelling of Black talent have remained a powerful mirror to the larger cultural conversation: equal parts hope, progress, and the frustrating wait for true equity. Over the past year, WWE has showcased a tale of two rosters: a vibrant, forward-looking NXT and a main roster that sometimes celebrates Black stars and other times sidelines them in ways that feel all too familiar. Let’s talk about it.

NXT: The Gold Standard for Representation

NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, has become the unexpected leader in not only Women's wrestling but also Black storytelling and talent elevation. From Trick Williams’ rise as the “One of One” to Jaida Parker’s magnetic confidence, Je’Von Evans’ prodigy-level emergence, and Oba Femi’s dominant ascent, Black talent in NXT isn’t just showing up; they’re showing out. 

Trick Williams delivered a star-making moment at Stand & Deliver 2024, capturing the NXT Championship in a highly emotional victory over Carmelo Hayes. That win marked the culmination of a story built on brotherhood, betrayal, and resilience. Although his reign as NXT Champion came to an end at the hands of the powerhouse Oba Femi, Trick maintains his step. He remains in NXT’s main event picture, and just a few weeks ago at Battleground, he captured his second career-defining title by winning the TNA Championship.

This crossover win isn't just historic; it’s a game-changer in cross-promotional collaborations. Trick now steps into new territory, carrying a legacy title with decades of history behind it. He joins an elite class of Black champions who have held the TNA World Title, including names like Bobby Lashley and Rich Swann, both of whom helped define what Black dominance looked like on that stage. This run with the TNA Championship will push him to showcase a new dimension of his character: leadership, versatility, and that rare ability to transcend brands while representing culture. If NXT was his proving ground, this TNA title reign would be the stage where Trick Williams shows just how limitless his potential really is.

Oba Femi has emerged as one of WWE’s most compelling powerhouse characters. After dominating the North American Championship scene with a reign that blended brute strength and quiet intensity, Oba leaped to the main event level by defeating Trick Williams to become NXT Champion. What makes his rise so remarkable isn’t just the accolades; it’s the consistent character work. Shawn Michaels has maintained a clear, consistent vision for Oba, allowing his presence to evolve.  Whether as a silent destroyer, a baby face, or a dominant no-nonsense heel, Oba commands attention. His evolution proves that when the creative team trusts a Black wrestler’s identity and builds with care, the result gives magnetic storytelling and authentic stardom.

Jaida Parker has stepped into her role with undeniable presence and confidence. Since her arrival, Parker has been tearing through the NXT women's division with a sharp edge, a don't-mess-with-me attitude, and mic skills that instantly grab the room. Parker's performance has been impressive. She's got the charisma of a future champion and the kind of natural swagger that makes audiences believe every word she says and every move she makes. Her rise mirrors some of the greats: slow-burn storytelling, moments of dominance, and the look of someone who's already a star; it just needs to be made official.

Je’Von Evans might just be the most promising young Black male talent WWE has seen since a young Randy Orton. His in-ring ability is already elite, but what makes Evans special is his poise. He moves and speaks like someone twice his age, blending the athleticism of a high-flyer with the ring IQ of a seasoned vet. On Friday Night SmackDown, he put on a banger that had fans buzzing, showing that the “Young OG” moniker is no gimmick; it’s a prophecy in progress. Evans isn’t just being built up; he's building his own legacy in real-time, and fans are watching with awe.

In NXT, these stars are treated like main characters in their own stories, not just side notes to someone else's push. Who they are is embraced, not diluted, and that foundation enables the brand to continue to raise the bar on what representation in wrestling can and should look like. 

Main Roster: Progress... With Caveats?

On the flip side, WWE’s main roster has seen both inspiring breakthroughs and some disheartening retreats.

Bianca Belair, the longest-reigning Raw Women’s Champion in modern WWE history, remains a fixture on TV. She’s consistent, marketable, and performs under pressure. Despite winning the 2025 Women’s Elimination Chamber, an achievement that should’ve stamped her ticket to every PLE, her absence from recent major cards raises eyebrows. If anyone has earned a premium spotlight, it’s Bianca.

Naomi is having a hell of a ride. She's now qualified for the 2025 Money in the Bank Ladder Match, defeating both Nia Jax and Jade Cargill. Her “Proceed with Caution” momentum is real; her character work has been leveled up to 5,000, and the fans, especially Black wrestling fans, are rallying behind her. With 12 years in the business and a glow that never dimmed, Naomi winning this year’s Money in the Bank could be a long-overdue moment of validation… and CAUTION.

Carmelo Hayes was once a crown jewel of NXT, Hayes made waves with his “Melo don’t miss” mantra and delivered every single time, and still does. He’s on TV weekly and even won the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Recently, he lost a triple-threat qualifier to Andrade and Jacob Fatu, raising questions with fans on where creative sees him fitting in.

Currently, Hayes is paired with The Miz, a move that’s either a strategic mentorship or a misstep, depending on how you view it. The Miz is a future Hall of Famer and mic magician, sure. However, Carmelo doesn’t need a mouthpiece; he needs a microphone and a moment, and he gave us that Friday night. Aligning with Miz risks diluting the uniqueness that made Melo a breakout star. Is this helping him gain exposure or holding him back from cementing himself as a singular force on the main roster? Either way, we are rooting for HIM.

WrestleMania: Spotlighted, Then Forgotten?

WrestleMania 41 showcased Black talent in powerful ways with elevated entrances, big matches, and a genuine sense that Black stars were being presented as top-tier attractions while contributing to the bottom line. As the weeks rolled on, the follow-up lacked the same energy. Post-WrestleMania PLEs have not consistently carried forward the momentum, leaving fans asking: “Where did all that shine go?”

It’s not just about the Mania moments; it’s about what comes next. Often, Black stars don’t get the luxury of long-term follow-through, which causes the pops to fade and the booking quiets loudly.

R-Truth: A Legend You Don't Just Let Go

When the news broke that R-Truth had been released, it hit the Black wrestling community like a gut punch. Not just because he's beloved, which he's, but because we're forced to ask how a legend who has always delivered gets let go like a background character.

Let's be clear: R-Truth isn't just a performer; he's a blueprint. From K-Kwik in the Attitude Era to becoming a comedic genius and multi-time Tag Team and 24/7 Champion, to showing up with unmatched energy every time the red light went on.; Truth stayed relevant across decades of change in WWE and he did it with joy, soul and a connection to fans most superstars dream of having.

What's remarkable is that we should have seen this coming. His last match against John Cena was the full-circle moment with the franchise player that felt like a curtain call in retrospect. Why close the curtain on someone who's still got more show left in him? Behind the scenes, Truth was a mentor to generations of talent, the one who helped young talent find their voice, their rhythm, and their confidence. You can't teach that kind of leadership; it's something you pass down.

His departure is a poignant reminder that, even in the evolution of Black storytelling in wrestling, there is still work to be done in honoring our legacy. R-Truth was more than just comic relief; he is a cultural icon and forever etched in pro wrestling history, reminding us that authenticity always prevails.

The Gamble Always Pays Off, If You Let It

When WWE takes the gamble on Black talent, history has shown that they deliver. From Kofi Kingston's legendary KofiMania run to Big E’s emotionally resonant WWE Championship reign, to Bobby Lashley’s dominance as a credible world-beater, every time WWE truly invested, the return was excellence.

We’re seeing that in NXT right now. The young guns, such as Lash Legend, Kelani Jordan, Jaida, Oba, and Je’Von, are not just meeting expectations; they’re defining them. The fans are watching and responding.

Looking ahead to Money in the Bank, Naomi stands on the verge of a career-defining moment. Black wrestling fans are watching closely, hopeful that this is a beginning and not another tease.

The future of Black talent in WWE is bright, but only if creative consistency matches the talent’s authenticity and work ethic. Who’s at the writer’s table? Is this just the “let it play out” phase of a bigger plan?

Maybe. Fans are waiting, analyzing, demanding, and most importantly, they’re supporting, because when Black wrestlers are given the platform, they don't just show up; they show out.