WWE: Sonya Deville and why representation matters

“If I can help people in this process and be a voice to people who might be intimidated of coming out themselves or are scared to or think that it’s wrong and they see me doing it in front of pretty big people in the WWE world, hopefully, it will give them the courage to do it.” – Sonya Deville.

Representation matters. It always has. It always will. Representation in professional wrestling has had a complex history with unfortunately a lot of obstacles in relation to the representation of sexuality. There is no clear cut evidence to this than the late Chris Kanyon’s book, Wrestling Reality: The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon, Wrestling’s Gay Superstar.

In the book, Kanyon (real name Chris Klucsarits), writes extensively on the difficulties he had with being a gay wrestler and the ways he felt he needed to stay closeted for his own protection and mental safeguarding. The book is harrowing and really highlights the problems that members of the LGBT community faced in their day-to-day lives. Kanyon sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 40.

Kanyon’s story is one of tragedy. Kanyon should have had the inherent support and acknowledgement from the fans and his peers alike, that his sexuality would never be an issue in wrestling – especially in the two biggest companies in the world at the time (WCW/WWE), it’s truly a sad tale of the importance of acceptance.

Considering the tragic story regarding the passing of the late, great Chris Klucsarits, from reading his book, I sense he would be at peace with the knowledge that society and the medium he loved that is pro wrestling has got a lot better in recent times in relation to acceptance. This article is going to focus on one person in particular. The person in question was chosen based on the influence she has already inspired and the influence that she will no doubt inspire as she advances to new heights in her career. This woman in question? WWE Superstar, Sonya Deville.

Sonya Deville – the first openly-Lesbian wrestler in WWE history – would first appear on the 2015 season of Tough Enough. Deville would impress WWE officials, resulting in her being signed to the acclaimed NXT brand beginning of the fall of 2015. After just over two-calendar years in NXT,  Deville – alongside Mandy Rose – would get the nod for a main roster call-up forming a stable with former Divas Champion Paige to form the stable known as Absolution.

Without question, Deville has done extremely well on the main roster with the TV time she has been given (no question, Rose has too). Presenting someone that the casual audience is unfamiliar with can have its fair share of issues. However, Deville has without question done particularly well with whatever WWE have booked her to be associated with. Deville has clearly obtained the respect and admiration of both her peers and the base and she should be immensely proud of her WWE career (thus far).

Notwithstanding the success Deville has had thus far, it’s nothing in comparison to work she has done for the LGBT community and the LGBT fans that follow and love pro wrestling. Deville’s has taken on a role as a figure of representation to children/adults. When Deville came out on national TV on Tough Enough in 2015 – she immediately became a wrestler for the LGBT community to admire and look up to.

How does Deville’s influence work in practice? For instance – if a young 10-year-old is watching a WWE PPV and the PPV features Deville, it shows them that anyone – no matter their sexual orientation – can achieve their dreams and desires.

It’s hard to put into words how important this is. 20 years ago, young people who were coming to terms with their sexuality, had no role models in this regard features on the mainstream wrestling product. The sheer impact of Sonya Deville wearing LGBT ring-gear at WrestleMania 34 without question made an impact for LGBT people’s lives. Deville commented on her gear following her WrestleMania appearance stating:  “I’m representing y’all.” The value this holds is unfathomable.

Not overlooking the positive changes that have already been made – things can and will get better. With All Elite Wrestling adopting a “for everyone” approach, expanding beyond the LGBT community, to include those such as autism sufferers and alike. It is truly a time where mainstream wrestling companies are giving those who may not have felt comfortable in their own skin 20-years-ago a chance to be confident in their own skin and more importantly, happy.

In-turn there is going to be an entire generation brought up on a wrestling product that encourages them to be themselves no matter who they are and this is a life-changing reality.