We can all agree that for the most part, recent wrestling storylines have been stale. The writing has not been great over the years and it seems like the writers have outdated views. However, with stale writing comes moments in wrestling that represent marginalized groups in a greater light. But in the case of LGBTQ stories, larger companies don’t seem to get it right.

Over the past few decades, we’ve been introduced to LGBTQ characters in big companies. WWE was no exception to LGBTQ characters. Arguably, it was refreshing to see a character like Goldust push the envelope of androgyny. But it was soured when they make these characters heel; as if it’s wrong to be different. Of course, a LGBTQ heel can work, but their sexuality or gender shouldn't be the basis for their villainy. Unfortunately, WWE's track record of homophobic characterizations and storylines notoriously stems from straight panic and queerbaiting.

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WWE's History With LGBT Characters And Storylines Is Mixed

Billy and Chuck wedding

The most famous LGBTQ storyline in WWE is the most disrespectful one. The Billy and Chuck story was quite the introduction to “gay” characters in WWE. Two Heterosexual men were thrown together in a gay gimmick for the appeal of homophobic humor in the early 2000s. They were written as bad guys, showing each other affection through hugs, gifts, and helping one another stretch backstage. At best, the storyline was queerbait. The conclusion was a wedding on Friday Night Smackdown where it was revealed that they were not gay and it was all a publicity stunt. A “stunt” that was denounced by GLAAD on The Today Show. Now imagine how damaging that could be for a teenager who is coming to grips with their sexuality during this time. Finally feeling some representation only for that viewer to be blindsided.

Trish Stratus and Mickie James

I, myself had a personal experience with the Trish Stratus and Mickie James storyline. When Mickie James and Trish Stratus shared an on-screen kiss during Monday Night Raw, I felt myself questioning my own sexuality at a young age. The rug was pulled from beneath my feet when they played off Mickie James just being an obsessive stalker. However, when she won the gold at Wrestlemania 22, I felt a sense of vindication. Not only did this women’s story play out well, but they crowned the person who was deemed unusual. Although the James and Stratus storyline didn’t read as a lesbian angle, per se, it gave me a sense of comfort as I was still understanding my newly burgeoning bisexuality. This was a far better representation than other angles such as the aforementioned Billy and Chuck story and the infamous “Hot Lesbian Action” segment of Monday Night Raw. The Divas Era doesn’t get enough credit for having a strong foothold with the LGBTQ viewers.

In 2011, Darren Young helped WWE form a partnership with GLAAD. Although that partnership was tested when babyface John Cena made a transphobic remark in 2015, WWE participates in Spirit Day every year, an event to help stop LGBTQ youth bullying. Ironic, considering stories that have since surfaced about the harassment some queer wrestlers endured backstage in WWE, most recently the episode about Chris Kanyon on Dark Side of the Ring.

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Stephanie McMahon Promised LGBT Characters In 2016... Where Are They?

Stephanie McMahon is laughing in WWE

Stephaine McMahon was a guest speaker at Beyond Sport United in New York and said:

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

A nice thought, but unfortunately that was 5 years ago and since that time there have not been too many LGBT characters.

There have been a few openly gay wrestlers who have signed to WWE since then. But we have yet to see an openly gay world champion within the company. The highest solo championship was held by Orlando Jordan winning the United States Championship. There have been multiple opportunities to crown a queer champion. There seemed to be hope with Sonya Deville. She even pitched a lesbian storyline with Mandy Rose during her NXT run.

Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville

It’s disheartening that the company never took advantage to work with a wrestler who is openly gay and rewrite their wrongs of the past. Instead in 2020, WWE decided to throw in a Liv Morgan/Lana love story into an already complicated love triangle with Bobby Lashley and Rusev. This angle between Liv Morgan and Lana had no payoff. Deville and Rose were publicly pissed off on social media after the Lana/Lashley wedding segment. They were valid to show anger towards this storyline and the company. WWE had a perfect opportunity to showcase one of their openly gay talents and tell an authentic LGBTQ storyline. They simply chose not to.

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AEW Takes One Step Forward And 2 Steps Back With Their LGBT Representation

AEW Sonny Kiss Chris Jericho Dan Lambert

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side and AEW has proven that as well. People will praise AEW for using the correct pronouns for their talent but they fail to realize, that is the bare minimum. AEW started strong when they announced signing names such as Nyla Rose and Sonny Kiss. There was hope for more inclusion with storylines. But as long as we have characters like Dan Lambert and Chris Jericho casually making homophobic remarks in their promos, AEW still has a long way to go before they fully represent the LGBTQ community.

Independent Wrestling Is A Better Place For LGBTQ Wrestlers

LGBT Wrestling Characters Wrestlers

There is an incredible amount of wrestling outside of WWE and AEW that is prominently featuring LGBTQ stories in a more vibrant and meaningful way. The days of expecting larger companies to take care of LGBTQ storylines are long gone. In a perfect world, it would be nice to see representation in larger companies outside the month of June. They seem to only highlight wrestlers during Pride month when it’s convenient to their wallets and stockholders. Promotions such as Enjoy Wrestling, HoodSlam, Paris is Bumping, MV Young’s Polyam Cult, WrestlersLab, and Uncanny Attractions prove that there are better sources outside the mainstream. Outsports.com recently released their top 200 LGBTQ wrestlers of 2021. That’s a good place to start. Now’s the time to amplify these LGBTQ wrestlers along with the promotions that showcase them.