Jaxson Ryker has been facing backlash from fans and fellow WWE stars after posting a controversial tweet about Donald Trump.Amid the on-going protests in America, the SmackDown wrestler wrote on Monday night:"Thankful for the [President] we have! God bless America. Built of freedom. Forgotten No More."Ryker - a former member of the United States Marines - now wrestles in WWE as part of The Forgotten Sons stable and his post has drawn mass criticism from his colleagues.Batista was one of the first to fire back, labelling him a 'sorry a** mother******' and an 'ignorant mother******'. "I’m just keeping him nameless because he’s a sorry a** mother****** who I refuse to let ride my coattails," the WWE legend tweeted."He gets no love from me. He gets no rub from me. And if he would like to discuss it in person we have enough mutual acquaintances that he will be able to find me easily."
Current WWE stars also responded, with Kevin Owens tweeting:
"The freedom you speak of entitles you to speak your mind all you want. I’m not here to argue that.
"I just really need to tell you that I think you pushing your s***** wrestling catchphrase as all of this is happening is absolutely f****** pathetic."
Fellow SmackDown wrestler Mustafa Ali also slammed Ryker's tweet, saying:
"I’m thankful you posted this because I’m now aware of what you stand for. When black brothers and sisters are crying, you praise someone that refuses to acknowledge their hurt."
Sami Zayn, meanwhile, quoted the post with the simple caption: "Literally built on oppression."
Richochet also responded, questioning if the tweet was posted to push Ryker's gimmick.
"I get you’re a 'bad guy' on tv. And I’m HOPING that’s all this is. Even then, that ain’t it. But if this is actually your true thoughts - I’ll be really sad, man."
Ryker, Wesley Blake and fellow former Marine Steve Cutler have been prominently featured on SmackDown as a stable since being called up from NXT.
According to Forbes, 'their controversial, coded-language promos have raised speculation of a potential alt-right twist' amongst fans.
All their vignettes are bookended by a disclaimer and to signoff, all three members pound their chests in solidarity.
Ryker has furthered that suggestion by posting a number of recent tweets in support of President Trump.
But he's struck a nerve by continuing to tweet at a time when racial injustice is at the forefront of everybody's mind.
Fellow WWE stars - and fans - are rightly upset and disappointed with his actions.