Jay Lethal On Race In Wrestling And How ROH Is Colorblind
Jay Lethal is the current two-time ROH World Champion. On Friday night at Death Before Dishonor, he will defend his title against Will Ospreay.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Lethal spoke about carrying the banner for Ring of Honor as a black man and how the company focuses more on wrestling than race.
“That means the world to me. I try to keep the topic upbeat, so I rarely bring that up, but it doesn’t mean that it is not an issue to me,” said Lethal. “I am extremely happy that I can just go out there and be a good professional wrestler. I don’t have to play to borderline racist storylines. I’m so fortunate not to have to participate in anything like that, Ring of Honor just wants people to be the best wrestlers they can. If you’re a great wrestler, that’s all you need to be. You don’t need a catchy jingle, they just need to know you can hang with some of the best. I could be the color blue and still be presented with this opportunity because of what I bring to the table, and I’m grateful for that.”
Lethal finished by noting, “Wrestling is changing. Other companies, including specific ones, are changing, too. But I work for a company that is colorblind.”
Lethal has found great success in Ring Of Honor, as well as TNA Wrestling during his time there. He’s also made several appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
