When Maivia Turned Black

Those offended by Hulk Hogan's recent racist rant may not be aware of pro wrestling's long history of not being politically correct. Case in point is the late Peter Maivia.

Early in his career, Bobo Brazil toured the west as Negro World Champion. A problem came when he was brought to Arizona at old  Phoenix Madison Square Garden and something happened to his intended opponent.

The then unknown Polynesian wrestler, Peter Maivia, was thrown in at the last minute and told to "pass" as black.

This was not the only time such happened.

When Maivia made his debut for Ray Shire, Shire came back to the  locker room with a stunned look on his face. "There's rows of new black people I never saw before," he announced. (Black was not the word he used).

"Those aren't blacks," Maivia announced (Again, black was not the term he used either).  "Those are islanders. Those are my people."

Maivia, who was going to be jobbed out at first, was suddenly given a win and elevated with the promotion.