3-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike had a killer time at WWE Bad Blood over the weekend, and says the bond between pro wrestling and hip-hop runs deep.
Mike was ringside for the action this past weekend, along with other celebrities including Quavo, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and more. He sat directly next to WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg, and touted the former WWE & WCW Champion as someone who was just “perfect” for wrestling.
Mike spoke to Variety about his experience attending the show, and delved into the deep connection between pro wrestling and Hip-Hop.
He describes them both as forms of theater for working-class people, a comparison we’ve heard before from other longtime fans of both genres. He also reflected on how growing up, kids who weren’t into mainstream sports often gravitated toward wrestling, comic books, or Hip-Hop.
“It’s working-class people’s theater. It gives us an opportunity to get our sh*t off, whether it’s our highest ambitions or lowest of the lows. These characters represent that for us.”
– Killer Mike on the Pro Wrestling & Hip-Hop connection
Mike added that WWE has consistently produced a great product and expressed his lifelong love for wrestling:
“WWE put together some dope product. I’ve enjoyed it my entire life — shout-out to my wrestling heads.”
Killer Mike is recognized as one of several popular rappers who incorporate pro wrestling references into their lyrics alongside artists like Wale, Action Bronson and Westside Gun. His song “Ric Flair” off his 2011 album Pledge uses wrestling imagery to convey a positive message about overcoming life’s obstacles.
He spoke with Peter Rosenberg ahead of WWE Bad Blood and He equated winning a Grammy Award earlier this year to Dusty Rhodes winning his first World Championship.