WWE has removed a newly released Trick Williams T-shirt from its online store after the design drew criticism from fans over its use of imagery associated with a longstanding racial stereotype.
The “Lemon Pepper Steppers” shirt appeared as a new arrival on WWEShop.com on September 21, priced at $34.99. The front of the shirt featured Williams’ signature white boot surrounded by fried chicken wings, while the “Lemon Pepper Steppers” phrase appeared across the back.
The concept was based on Williams’ own catchphrase, combining lemon pepper wings with his “steppers.” However, after images of the merchandise began circulating on social media, some fans criticized the decision to feature fried chicken imagery on merchandise for a Black wrestler, pointing to the racist stereotype historically associated with that imagery in the United States. Others questioned how the design made it through WWE’s merchandise approval process.
The product description promoted the shirt as a way to show “that you’re all about two-stepping in Lemon Pepper steppers,” while also referencing Williams’ popular “Whoop That Trick” entrance chant.
Within roughly a day of the shirt becoming available, its listing was removed from WWEShop.com.
As of this writing, WWE has not publicly addressed why the merchandise was removed, and Williams has not commented on the controversy.
The “lemon pepper steppers” phrase itself originated with Williams. It is the nickname he uses for his white shoes and has become part of his presentation since his SmackDown call-up in January.
Williams told Bleacher Report in July that the phrase dates back to his first night on the brand, when he interrupted Sami Zayn and told him to respect “Mr. Lemon Pepper Stepper.”
During an appearance on the RoneDotCom show earlier this year, Williams was asked what the phrase actually meant. He explained that it was not a reference to the color or texture of his shoes and instead compared it to a sauce, mentioning Wingstop and KFC.
The controversy also prompted some fans to draw comparisons to a WWE merchandise controversy involving Jordan Myles, formerly known as ACH, in October 2019.
Myles publicly criticized a T-shirt designed for him, saying its imagery resembled blackface. WWE had already removed the shirt by the time Myles spoke publicly about the situation.
At the time, WWE said Myles had approved the design and stated that the company worked collaboratively with performers to receive their input and approval on logos and merchandise before production. WWE also said no shirts had been sold. Myles disputed the company’s account, saying he had only seen the design presented on a white shirt. He departed WWE the following month.
Williams, a two-time NXT Champion, moved to the main roster on January 2 and has since established his white mink coat and “lemon pepper steppers” as recognizable parts of his presentation.
He defeated Zayn for the United States Championship at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas in April and successfully defended the title against him at Backlash the following month. After losing the championship to Baron Corbin at SummerSlam, Williams regained it at Sunday Night’s Main Event earlier this month.
His “Whoop That Trick” entrance has also become a regular crowd singalong on SmackDown.
