NXT General Manager Ava is defending WWE Superstar Bianca Belair from racist comments levied at her by a wrestling fan on social media.
Belair, a 3-time Women’s Champion, is one of the cover stars of the new WWE 2K24 video game. She and Rhea Ripley are on the cover of WWE 2K24: Deluxe Edition, while the ‘American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes is on the cover of the Standard Edition. The ‘WWE Games’ Instagram account posted photos from a recent shoot involving the three cover stars.
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C4JvnZNvC5C
One Instagram user replied and said Belair “doesn’t belong” and was only included because of her race.
Ava, who is unfortunately no stranger to online harassment, came to the defense of ‘The EST.’ She offered love and support, sharing in the frustration that this type of behavior is all too common these days.
“Disappointed but not surprised… we [love] you, B.”
disappointed but not surprised… we ? you b https://t.co/ckmLnSABsO
— A V A (@avawwe_) March 7, 2024
Online Harassment
Ava is the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of the most famous people in the world. The children of famous parents experience a host of unique challenges, especially when they themselves pursue a career in public life.
Ava’s most recent brush with online trolls came when it was looking like her father would be usurping Cody Rhodes to wrestle Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with Ava, and she had no involvement in WWE’s WrestleMania booking. However that didn’t stop some fans from literally threatening her life online.
Forget Trolls & Celebrate Greatness
No matter what some fans may think, Ava and Bianca Belair are talented young women pursuing and achieving their dreams.
Belair has established herself as a trailblazer and indeed cover-star worthy as she and Mercedes Mone became the first two African-Americans to main event a match at WrestleMania 37. She nearly won the 2024 Elimination Chamber to meet her 2K24 cover co-star at WrestleMania, but it ended up being Becky Lynch who came out on top.
Belair’s in-ring plans for Philadelphia currently remains unknown as we’re a month away from pro wrestling’s premier event.