I’ve been wanting to express these thoughts in a little bit longer form for a while now, so apologies if this becomes a stream of consciousness.
The sentiment that “we as entertainers” should “stay in our lane” or “avoid political commentary” has been an idea that I’ve struggled with since the very first days of my career as a professional wrestler. Back then it was easier because I had no reach, and no influence. But these days (and especially these last several days) I’ve found it impossible to stay quiet.
Just as it’s widely accepted that it’s an important civic duty to vote (every vote counts, after all), I’m of the opinion that it’s also an important civic duty to speak up and speak out against wrongdoing, regardless of one’s potential reach or influence. Every single person amplifies the message, and the message grows. That’s the importance of refusing to be silent.
I’ve been told that it’s out of character for me to be sounding off like I have been.
I reject that notion.
In fact, Razerhawk has always been an activist. From my first deep experience with charity at National Pro Wrestling Day 2017 where money was raised for the Superkick Foundation, I have felt a great sense of duty to philanthropic causes. This shines through in my wrestling as well—whenever there is a bad guy who needs a battle, I am there—eager to right whatever wrongs have been done.
I’ve been told I have an overdeveloped sense of fairness.
I can see why some would say that.
The problem with entertainment is that it provides such a strong distraction from the rest of the goings-on in the world. As entertainment affords people a necessary escape from day-to-day troubles, it can also serve as a barrier from the very real problems that need to be dealt with. There are those in our industry who have only offered empty sympathies, and I refuse to be one of them.
The fact that there is this stigma against open discourse, whether it be in the workplace, in the company of friends, or being with family, is what has allowed us to fall so far off the rails in the first place. Companies cozying up to politicians for preferential treatment, people turning a blind eye to their racist uncle at Thanksgiving, and that nervous laugh and change of topic at your roommate’s off-color joke are all a part of the problem.
We need to be open to having candid dialogues with each other, and exploring the harsh realities that many of us face, and the injustices that we must defeat. We mustn’t shy away from exposing wrongdoing, or calling out racism, bigotry, and oppression for fear of retaliation by those who may think they wield some amount of power over us. We must understand that we can shift our focus and our priorities in order to fight for what we believe in, and get back to life as normal when the important work is done.
Independent wrestling, and our other beloved forms of entertainment, will be here. We can wait for a few weeks, or a few months, or however long this takes, to go back to simply promoting our merchandise and our shows in VFW halls. Right now, there is work to be done.
As much as I wish I could be out there protesting along side of you, I full-stop cannot risk bringing COVID-19 home with me. So I will contribute to the cause in the ways that I can.
I will donate.
I will raise money.
I will spread awareness.
I will call out bad actors.
I will listen to my friends.
I will listen to complete strangers.
It’s not about politics. It’s about basic human decency.
This is my promise to you. I will never trade my authenticity for approval.
❤️ BLACK LIVES MATTER ❤️
-Razerhawk