Wale has always been more than a Grammy-nominated rapper with chart-topping hits and poetic penmanship—he’s a culture curator, a storyteller, and a lifelong wrestling fan whose passion for the sport birthed something truly special.

Enter WaleMania—a passion project that’s grown into a major cultural event, now celebrating its 10th year and deeply woven into WrestleMania weekend. What began as a celebration of both wrestling and hip-hop has evolved into a star-studded gathering of the industry’s biggest names.

This year was no different. Naomi pulled up ahead of her historic non-title match against Jade Cargill. Jey Uso, fresh off his Royal Rumble win, was there as he prepared to face Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. And Jeff Hardy made history as the first white recipient of the event’s Guest of Honor distinction.

With this year marking the final WaleMania, BET.com caught up with Wale to reflect on the event’s origin, its cultural impact, and what it means to end things on a high note.

“It was just something I really wanted to do,” Wale says, remembering how it all began. “Major League Wrestling founder Court Bauer brought it up, and even though imposter syndrome kicked in, I just went and did it. He helped me mold the event—and now we’re here, still going strong.”

From standing ringside to fantasizing about his own dream match, Wale shared the legend he’d most love to face in the ring.

“Hulk Hogan, for sure—if you know, you know,” he says with a grin. But Wale isn’t just thinking about stepping inside the ropes—he’s thinking about scoring them too.

“I’d love to create a theme song for Kali Armstrong in NXT.”

As the WWE continues to evolve under Triple H’s leadership, Wale has a front-row seat to the growing pains of legacy and innovation.

“I remember talking to Triple H when he started running things. People were singing his praises, and he told me something like, ‘People can love you one week and hate you the next.’ You just gotta let the chefs cook—I’m excited to see what he does next.”

A major shift is already happening: Jade Cargill and Naomi are set to make history with the first non-title women’s match at WrestleMania in over a decade—led by two Black women.

“I love Trinity and her family, and I love Jade too,” Wale says. “Even JT’s tweeting about the match. People love tea and drama, and that’s exactly what Jade and Naomi are giving—except it’s paired with real athleticism and storytelling. I’m proud of them.”

Wale’s support for wrestling goes way beyond fandom.

“I actually pitched a wrestling show to BET like eleven years ago. I can’t get into the logistics too much, but I hit up Floyd Mayweather and a couple of other people. It was supposed to be like a Lucha Underground-type vibe.”

When it comes to his own career, Wale has always forged his own path—never chasing trends, always rooted in purpose.

“I never had grace or favor from the machine or the big stuff—everything I know, I learned on my own,” he says. “You’d think someone like me would have a lot more, considering the number of No. 1s and plaques, but I don’t. That’s what’s kept me grounded. My last award nomination was nine years ago, but I’ve gone double and triple platinum consistently. I’m chilling—I’m not overthinking it.”

That self-awareness also shapes how he represents Black men—boldly embracing interests that defy stereotypes.

“I love gaming, sneakers, and definitely fashion,” he says with a smile.

His latest single, “Blanco,” finds Wale at his most raw and reflective. While the new album is still under wraps, he’s asking fans to really pay attention.

“You can’t judge the end of the movie before it comes out,” he says. “For anyone reading this—go read the lyrics to Blanco. It’s not what you think. There are clues in there.”

He’s also hitting the road with R&B royalty as Keyshia Cole celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Way It Is—a tour he’s proud to be part of.

“She’s a legend. We’ve shared plenty of nights at Sean Dickerson parties with private Hollywood crowds, just vibing. I love that girl—she’s one of them ones. We’ve done shows together, and most of our convos have been quick, in passing, but it’s been over 10 years.”

Just weeks ago, Wale celebrated a milestone of his own: the 10th anniversary of The Album About Nothing, his deeply personal, genre-blending collaboration with Jerry Seinfeld.

“That album was special. I was in a different place. Brock Korsan helped me with it, and my mindset was different,” he reflects. “Life was a little easier back then—not as much of an uphill battle. I appreciated how effortless it felt, more than even the music itself.”

So what’s the one thing Wale never wants to forget?

“That’s a nuanced question,” he says thoughtfully. “I never want to become someone who thinks he’s better than anyone else—but I also want to look in the mirror and know I’m enough. I look good enough. I feel good enough.

A lot of people in this industry succeed because they have no empathy—and good for them. That’s their superpower. Mine is writing great songs. But I’m not great socially because I don’t know how to step on people to get ahead.”