WWE has removed a newly released Trick Williams T-shirt from its online store following backlash from fans who felt the design perpetuated a harmful racial stereotype. The “Lemon Pepper Steppers” shirt, which became available on WWEShop.com on September 21 for $34.99, featured an image of Williams’ trademark white boot surrounded by fried chicken wings, with the phrase “Lemon Pepper Steppers” printed on the back.
The shirt’s concept was inspired by Williams’ catchphrase, visually representing “lemon pepper” with wings and “steppers” with his boot. However, once the design was shared on social media, many fans criticized the pairing of fried chicken imagery with a Black wrestler, calling attention to its association with long-standing racial prejudices in the United States. Several questioned how WWE approved the design in the first place.
The product description promoted the shirt as a symbol for fans who appreciate Williams’ “two-stepping” style, referencing his popular “Whoop that trick” chant used during his entrance. Within about a day of its release, the shirt was taken down amid growing social media criticism. Both WWE and Williams have yet to issue public statements addressing the controversy.
The chicken wing reference originates from Williams himself. He names his white shoes “lemon pepper steppers,” a line that gained popularity after his promotion to SmackDown in January. Williams explained to Bleacher Report that the phrase has nothing to do with the shoes’ color or texture, likening it instead to a flavorful sauce popularized by eateries like Wingstop and KFC.
Some observers drew parallels to a similar incident in October 2019 when wrestler Jordan Myles, previously known as ACH, condemned a WWE shirt featuring him for racist undertones resembling blackface. That shirt was removed before Myles publicly objected. WWE stated Myles approved the design, highlighting their collaborative process with performers on merchandise; however, Myles contested this, claiming he only saw a version on white fabric and left WWE shortly after.
Before his main roster debut on January 2, Williams had been a two-time NXT Champion. He entered SmackDown interrupting Sami Zayn while wearing a white mink coat—a look that has become part of his persona alongside the white shoes. Williams captured the United States Championship from Zayn at WrestleMania 42 in April, defended it at Backlash in May, then lost and regained the title in subsequent events. His entrance, featuring the song “Whoop That Trick,” often sparks crowd participation at SmackDown shows.
Fan Take: This incident highlights how important cultural sensitivity is within wrestling merchandise and character branding. For fighting fans, it serves as a reminder that the sport must balance creative expression with respect for diverse backgrounds to maintain its broad appeal and avoid alienating its audience.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
