It seems like Westside Gunn’s lifelong love for professional wrestling might be hitting a snag. The Griselda Records co-founder recently took to Twitter to voice his frustration, alleging that the WWE not only kicked him out of a recent “Monday Night RAW” event in his hometown of Buffalo but also threatened his music career with cease and desist orders.
Years of Fandom Met with Alleged Disrespect
Westside Gunn, a vocal wrestling fan for years, claims he’s invested a significant amount of money and passion into supporting the WWE brand. He stated on Twitter, “For YEAAAAAARS I mean NOBODY w/ 2 feet has spent the amount of $ I have supporting and pushing a brand I’ve loved since I could remember.” He highlighted his front-row presence at major shows and how he incorporated wrestling into his music and brand, making it cool for those who might have previously dismissed it.
The rapper expressed hurt that despite his dedication, he felt overlooked by the company. “I’ve watched that same company sit countless of ppl next to me who’s not even fans fr and act like I didn’t exist,” he wrote. This alleged disregard, coupled with threats to his music catalog, has clearly taken a toll.
Music and Wrestling: A Delicate Balance
Westside Gunn’s connection to wrestling isn’t just as a fan; it’s deeply woven into his artistic identity. His “HEELS HAVE EYES” series, which previously featured wrestling imagery, is a prime example. He mentioned being threatened with the demolition of his entire music catalog if he didn’t remove wrestling references, a move that deeply affected him given his hard-earned success.
Despite the alleged mistreatment, Gunn revealed he remained a fan, attending events front row because of his love for the culture. This situation raises questions about how major entertainment companies should handle cross-promotional fandom. Instead of fostering these connections, the WWE allegedly chose to threaten and exclude a dedicated supporter.
Looking Ahead
While the WWE has yet to officially respond to Westside Gunn’s accusations, this controversy highlights a potential disconnect between the company and its passionate fans, especially those who bridge different cultural spheres. Hopefully, Gunn can channel this energy into his own ventures, like his 4THROPE company, and continue to celebrate the wrestling culture he clearly loves.
What are your thoughts on Westside Gunn’s claims? Should companies embrace fan crossovers or maintain stricter boundaries? Let us know in the comments!
