Live television – and the WWE – isn’t for everyone.
The WWE (WWF at the time) of the late 1990s would see controversial segments take place on a weekly basis due to an edgy writing staff who embraced the Attitude Era for its core values.
You couldn’t get away with a lot of that nowadays.
The nudity, colourful language and every scene involving DX simply wouldn’t fly in 2017 and the world’s pre-eminent professional wrestling organisation has made no secret of the fact that they’re actively promoting a more wholesome image these days.
And that’s precisely what made Monday night’s bizarre segment featuring LaVar, Lonzo and LaMelo Ball all the more striking.
Now wrestling fans on this side of the Atlantic may never have heard of those three men but, essentially, LaVar Ball is a retired American football player and his sons, Lonzo and LaMelo, are both promising basketball players.
Things are HEATING UP between @Lavarbigballer and @mikethemiz!!! #RAW #MizTV @ZO2_ pic.twitter.com/v9P43rfeSz
— WWE (@WWE) June 27, 2017
The reason for their presence was that Lonzo recently signed for the L.A. Lakers, who play their home games at the Staples Centre.
“Monday Night Raw” was broadcast live from Staples Centre this week and the three Balls took to the ring for an interview on Miz TV, a talk show hosted by WWE superstar The Miz.
Things got weird quickly as LaVar led the descent into chaos, taking off his shirt and challenging The Miz to a match.
As LaVar bounced against the ropes, soaking up his time to shine, a live microphone believed to be held by LaMelo picked up some racially insensitive language.
“Beat that n*****s ass,” rang out around the arena, as can be heard in the below clip.
https://twitter.com/yeezvz/status/879506352254726145
The WWE have since come out and apologised for that language making it to air.
“The inappropriate language used by a guest during the ‘Miz TV’ segment was not scripted nor reflects WWE’s values,” a statement from the organisation read, via the LA Times.
