The Religion of Wrestling
Displays of Religion in the WWE & Associated Companies
ISLAM IN THE WWE
WWE's use of Islam has always seemed a little offensive, especially considering the growing conflict between the US and the Middle East. Wrestlers with foreign gimmicks are often the heels, generating an overwhelming amount of heat and hatred. They are often placed in feuds against American characters, and by association are in religious feuds with Christians as America has been dubbed a "Christian" nation (Ball 1990, 85).
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MUHAMMAD HASSAN
Perhaps the most offensive use of Islam ever, Muhammad Hassan didn't have the best feuds post-9/11.
THE SHEIK
He took his prayer mat to the ring and would never sacrifice salat for a match, The Sheik is the most devoted image of a Muslim wrestler.
THE IRON SHEIK
Angry, bloodthirsty, and a little insane, The Iron Sheik is one of the WWE's most entertaining characters.
GENERAL ADNAN & COLONEL MUSTAFA
Maintaining the "evil foreigner" theme used so often by the WWE, General Adnand & Colonel Mustafa join forces with Sgt. Slaughter in a terrifying militant faction.