When a Two Day Event of Wrestling Became a Conversation About Fair Treatment
I attended TNA Wrestling’s Albany events excited to do what I have always loved—cover professional wrestling. As someone who has spent years writing about the industry and was invited to attend as media, I expected a weekend filled with great matches, fan interactions, and stories to share with readers.
Instead, I left with questions that I believe deserve answers.
This article is not about a bad wrestling show. The talent delivered, the fans were incredible, and I genuinely enjoyed the in-ring product. This article is about what happened outside the ring and why I believe it needs to be addressed.
On Night 1, while sitting in my assigned seats, an outside security guard employed by the Broadview Center approached only me and my guest halfway through the event and asked to see our tickets. We were happy to comply because we had nothing to hide.
What stood out was that, from what I observed, no one else in our immediate section was asked to show their tickets. My guest and I were the only Black attendees in that area, and being singled out in that moment left me questioning why we were the only ones approached.
I chose not to let it ruin my evening. The wrestling fans around us immediately checked to make sure we were okay, and I appreciated their kindness. I shrugged it off and focused on enjoying the rest of the show.
Unfortunately, that was not the end of it.
On Night 2, I was taking photos near the railing adjacent to my assigned seating area where the wrestlers make their entrance. Instead of a professional conversation, I was met with yelling from an individual who refused to identify himself when I asked for his name. During the interaction, he attempted to shoulder brush me several times.
I remained as calm and respectful as I could throughout the encounter. I knew I had been invited to cover the event, and I knew I had every right to be there.
What happened next was the most concerning part.
When police became involved, the issue was no longer framed as photography. Instead, allegations were made that I had been “abusive.” I completely dispute that characterization. In my view, I was the one who was spoken to aggressively throughout the interaction while trying to remain respectful.
Thankfully, other fans witnessed what happened. Some recorded the incident and have since shared videos on social media while tagging TNA. Those videos have led to conversations among fans about guest treatment and whether everyone is being treated fairly at live events.
I am not writing this because I lost my pride.
I know I was invited to cover the event.
No interaction with security can take that away from me.
What upset me was seeing a situation escalate when it never needed to. A respectful conversation could have resolved everything within moments.
As a Black journalist and fan, I cannot ignore how these two incidents made me feel. Being singled out on one night and then removed the following night naturally raises questions in my mind. I cannot say with certainty why these events occurred, but I can say that the experience left me questioning whether I was treated differently because of the color of my skin.
That is not a question anyone should leave a wrestling event asking.
I also find myself thinking about the many talented Black wrestlers who proudly represent TNA every week. I sincerely hope every person—whether performer, member of the media, or fan—is treated with the same level of professionalism and respect.
This will likely be my final article covering TNA.
That disappoints me because the wrestlers deserve praise for the work they do inside the ring. They entertained the crowd, interacted with fans, and gave Albany two exciting nights of professional wrestling.
My issue is not with the talent.
It is with an experience that I believe should never have happened.
To anyone who has ever felt singled out or treated unfairly, my message is simple: stand your ground, speak respectfully, know your rights, and prioritize your safety. Had the police not taken the time to assess the situation themselves, this encounter could have ended much differently.
I also want to thank the wrestling fans who checked on me, stood by me, and offered words of encouragement. In a difficult moment, complete strangers reminded me what makes the wrestling community special.
Professional wrestling should be about bringing people together.
Every fan deserves to feel welcome.
Every member of the media deserves to be treated professionally.
And every guest deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Source: When a Two Day Event of Wrestling Became a Conversation About Fair Treatment
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