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Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania 35 for the WWE Championship, becoming the first-ever native African to hold the title.
Following his win, many touted him as the first-ever African American WWE Champion, but Kofi Kingston believes The Rock should be given that honor.
In a recent interview with D-Von Dudley on the Table Talk Podcast, Kingston feels it’s silly that people don’t count The Rock as the first African American Champion due him being half Samoan.
“I think it’s sometimes kinda silly that people try to not count The Rock in that category because regardless of what you look like, you are what you are, you know what I’m saying? He’s black, whether he’s half-black or full black, he’s black so, but I definitely take a lot of pride in that sentiment like you said.”
Kofi also spoke on how people of color are keen on seeing people who look like them holding the WWE Championship.
“I think for a long time, people of color, especially African Americans have been waiting for someone who looks exactly like them to hold that championship title and I mention it all the time but on Twitter and social media, the moment that happened, I got so many different messages and people in tears. There’s a video of actually Shad [Gaspard] and MVP crying.”
The video of Shad and MVP getting emotional after Kingston’s win can be seen below.
https://twitter.com/Shadbeast/status/1115106032588591105?s=20
You can watch Kofi Kingston’s full interview below.
Prior to Kofi Kingston’s win at Wrestlemania 35, The Rock said he “transcended race in wrestling”, and identifies as both Black and Samoan equally.
Glad I came across this and I’ll give you guys some context & truth.
I identify as exactly what I am – both. Equally proud. Black/Samoan.
And my friend, let me expand your thoughts a bit here – I transcended race in wrestling so there was no “booked that way”. Thx guys— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 20, 2019
Special thanks to POST Wrestling for the transcription.