A fan sign at a recent WWE event has sparked a wave of backlash online. The sign, which read “Happy Cody ‘Raheem’ Rhodes Month,” referenced a long-running internet joke about the “American Nightmare” having an honorary spot in the Black community. However, given that February is Black History Month, many fans found the sign disrespectful and tone-deaf.
Origin of the “Raheem” Nickname
The controversy stems from a promo Rhodes cut on the February 6 episode of SmackDown. While discussing a “measuring contest” with a rival, Rhodes quipped, “they didn’t nickname me Raheem for no reason.” While the line got a pop from the live crowd, the subsequent fan sign has reignited the debate about the appropriateness of the meme, with social media users expressing their frustration over the joke overshadowing the actual observance of Black History Month.
Make sure to follow us on social media by liking us on Facebook at WrestleStarz and subscribing to us on YouTube at WrestleStar YouTube.
About the Author
