As was previously reported, there was some controversy over a segment that aired on this week's episode of WWE SmackDown Live where WWE Champion Jinder Mahal was making fun of Shinsuke Nakamura and indicated that the WWE fans would not support Nakamura as a World Champion because he is Japanese and not American.

WWE issued the following statement to The Washington Post about the segment:

“Just like many other TV shows or movies, WWE creates programming with fictional personalities that cover real world issues and sensitive subjects.

“As a producer of such TV shows, WWE Corporate is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”