WWE Apologizes For Using Auschwitz Image In Preview Show

(LOS ANGELES) — WWE apologized on Friday for using an image from the Auschwitz concentration camp to promote one of its matches last weekend on the opening night of WrestleMania 39.

The image was featured in a promotional package for the April 1 preview show match between Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio.

“We had no idea what was represented.” We promptly removed it after learning about it. “We sincerely apologize for this error,” WWE said in a statement.

According to the father-son plot, Dominik Mysterio was arrested after being involved in an incident with his father during Christmas. As Dominik remarked in the promo, “You think this is a game to me?” the image of Auschwitz emerged. I had a hard time. And I made it.”

A stock video of barbed wire and an empty jail cell took the place of the photo from the concentration camp in Owicim, Poland, where the Nazis slaughtered 1.1 million people during World War II.

Rey Mysterio, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame last week, defeated his son in the match.

The usage of the Auschwitz photograph took some wrestling fans aback. It gained traction after the Auschwitz Memorial Museum tweeted on Wednesday that using the image “is difficult to call an editing mistake.”

The monument said, “Taking advantage of a place that has become a symbol of a huge human tragedy is shameful and an insult to the memory of all Auschwitz victims.”

Rey Mysterio, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame last week, defeated his son in the match.

WrestleMania 39 attracted 161,892 fans and set stadium single-day attendance records on both nights. It was also the most-watched event on Peacock since the Super Bowl last year.

The two-night event also coincided with the McMahon family’s agreement to merge with the corporation that operates the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Endeavor and WWE intended to form a $21.4 billion sports entertainment company on Monday morning.

SOURCE – (AP)