Muhammad Hassan is still known to this day as one of WWE’s most controversial characters, and he recently appeared on “The False Finish” podcast for AdFreeShows to discuss being pitched the character by Arn Anderson and Jim Cornette, why he didn’t turn the role down, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On being pitched the character by Arn Anderson and Jim Cornette: “No idea where it was going to go … It was Vince’s baby, and Vince wanted to bring an Arab heel back into the WWE.”
On not turning the role down: “You don’t say no to a character…[it was] a tremendous opportunity.”
On the character not being able to work today: “I would never imagine a character like this would have flown today, but back then, it wasn’t so outrageous.”
For those who may not recall, the UPN Network eventually urged WWE to keep Hassan off SmackDown due to mainstream criticism of the gimmick.
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Muhammad Hassan: Reflecting on WWE’s Controversial Character
Muhammad Hassan, a former WWE superstar, is still remembered as one of the most controversial characters in the history of professional wrestling. Recently, he appeared on “The False Finish” podcast for AdFreeShows to discuss his experience portraying the character, including how he was pitched the role and why he didn’t turn it down.
Hassan revealed that the character was pitched to him by wrestling legends Arn Anderson and Jim Cornette. He admitted that he had no idea where the character was going to go, but it was clear that Vince McMahon, the CEO of WWE, wanted to bring an Arab heel back into the company. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the character, Hassan saw it as a tremendous opportunity and didn’t hesitate to accept the role.
Reflecting on the character’s controversial nature, Hassan acknowledged that he would never have imagined a character like this being accepted in today’s wrestling landscape. However, during his time in WWE, the character wasn’t considered as outrageous as it might be perceived now. Unfortunately, due to mainstream criticism and pressure from the UPN Network, WWE was eventually forced to keep Hassan off SmackDown.
The portrayal of Muhammad Hassan as an Arab-American wrestler with terrorist undertones sparked significant controversy and backlash. Critics argued that the character perpetuated negative stereotypes and fueled Islamophobia. The character’s storyline reached its climax at The Great American Bash pay-per-view in 2005 when Hassan was involved in a segment that depicted a terrorist attack. This segment aired just weeks after the London bombings, which heightened sensitivities around terrorism-related content.
The controversy surrounding Muhammad Hassan’s character ultimately led to his departure from WWE. The company decided to write him off television following the backlash. Despite his short-lived career in WWE, Hassan’s character remains a significant part of wrestling history and continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders.
In recent years, WWE has made efforts to portray diverse characters and storylines that are more inclusive and sensitive to cultural and social issues. The company has learned from past controversies and strives to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for its performers and audience.
In conclusion, Muhammad Hassan’s character in WWE remains one of the most controversial and talked-about in the history of professional wrestling. His recent appearance on “The False Finish” podcast shed light on the behind-the-scenes aspects of his portrayal and the challenges he faced. While the character may not have been acceptable in today’s wrestling landscape, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible storytelling and representation in the world of sports entertainment.