WWE to Feature More LGBT Characters

Stephanie McMahon recently said the WWE is committed to including more LGBT characters in their storylines.

Just as in our own everyday lives, gay and lesbian superstars have been part of the WWE Universe since the early days. From the classic not-so-subtle flamboyance of “Adorable” Adrian Adonis to the modern social media heroism of Darren Young, homosexual wrestlers have sometimes been acknowledged but not celebrated.

This week, Stephanie McMahon spoke at the Beyond Sport United event in New York City. In their own words, this event seeks to “explore sport’s unique power, responsibility and role in addressing key issues associated with Diversity & Inclusion.” In keeping with this theme, McMahon said the WWE is committed to changing the rhetoric about the LGBT community within their own business.

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"“Throughout my life I have grown up knowing gay [WWE] superstars and executives. It’s always been accepted, but now it’s about getting that message out there.”"

Her announcement coincides with the release of Pat Patterson’s new book, “Accepted”. Patterson was the first Intercontinental Champion and publically announced he was gay during an episode of WWE Legend’s House in 2014. McMahon praised Patterson during her speech and spoke about his book as well as the courage it takes for an older wrestler to be true to himself, especially in the presence of his peers:

"“It’s about his life as a gay wrestler and how from the beginning of his career he had to hide that. He first came out … on a show on WWE Network called ‘Legends’ House.’ It was a reality show with a bunch of our legends, and he had such a positive response. It was so warm and supportive that he then decided to tell his story.”"

McMahon’s comments and the comfort felt by men such as Patterson and Young is a marked departure from the way WWE used to carelessly treat the gay lifestyle. In the early 2000s, tag team wrestlers Billy and Chuck seemed to develop a same-sex relationship that culminated in them almost becoming life partners during a commitment ceremony on Smackdown. The stunt captured national media attention, including the support of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), which was happy to see the WWE moving forward in such a positive way. This support was short-lived however, since both men revealed they were not actually gay before the ceremony could take place. GLAAD was not amused and issued a public statement condemning the WWE for lying to them about the intent of the gimmick.

That was then and this is now. McMahon stated very clearly that the WWE has moved on from frat boy shenanigans and will instead take the inclusion of gay and lesbian characters seriously:

"“We will integrate LGBT characters into our programming … and I do think there will be an opportunity to integrate some of those storylines in the near future.”"

It also seems that fences have been mended with GLAAD. McMahon said the WWE will be using their advice to help the creative team write genuine storylines for these new characters.

"“We’ve had GLAAD come in and speak to our entire writing team and give a whole tutorial on sensitivities, the right words, the wrong word [and] why those words matters. I think that with their guidance and support, we will be able to portray that [LGBT storyline] appropriately.”"

Which wrestlers will be used for these new storylines remains to be seen. I can’t see the WWE simply creating gay characters out of thin air so Darren Young seems to be the obvious choice, but returning female star Rosa Medes is also a possibility. Mendes admitted to being bisexual during an episode of Total Divas in 2014.

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