Brandi Rhodes Responds to Transphobic Comments From “Fans”

When AEW announced the signing of Nyla Rose, the first trans woman wrestler signed to a major wrestling promotion, they predictably got a lot of hateful comments from “fans” online. For example, check out a lot of the replies to the post below.

#AEW #DoubleOrNothing Sat, May 25th@RealBrittBaker vs @NylaRoseBeast vs @IamKylieRae
Tickets on Sale tomorrow – Wed, Feb 13th 9a Pst / 12p Esthttps://t.co/BVyw1bPbla pic.twitter.com/v2pAe5AiRR

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) February 13, 2019

Some people then criticized AEW for not pushing back against this, which I’m not sure is a fair criticism since you can’t really control people’s responses on Twitter.

. @TheBrandiRhodes and @CodyRhodes I’m super appreciative of you guys showcasing trans &queer wrestlers. It’s equally important for you guys to address the rampant homophobia in some of your fanbase w/ a lot of these comments. A message showcasing your disapproval goes a long way

— D.A.M (@Dnellicious) February 13, 2019

We are promoting matches that’s causing this apparent debate (which I admittedly have not seen and instead have seen only excitement/happiness). The stand is in standing by those matches. Why would we signal boost hatred? Wrestling is for everybody and not everything is a scandal

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 13, 2019

That’s standard practice for any credible company in 2019. This is a dated conversation. NOBODY is going to be able to vilify LGBT competitors/fans/staff at our events. Wrestling is for everybody.

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 13, 2019

Brandi Rhodes then posted this message, which was also sent out on AEW’s social media accounts.

A safe, inclusive, respectful and very cool environment will be central to everything we do at AEW. Be who you are, and come as you are. Because we're all going to come together as a community to change the world. #AEW (2/2)

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) February 13, 2019

Sonny Kiss, who’s also signed to AEW, also posted this.

This fight isn’t for heterosexuals to glorify us—it’s simply to have the same rights that you do. There is no “agenda.” You are more than allowed to have your beliefs. Our GOAL as LGBTQ+ people is to co-exist with you, comfortably. (1/2)

— ☀️Sonny Kiss☀️ (@SonnyKissXO) February 14, 2019

Don’t take away someone else’s rights when you don’t want it done to YOU! Period! (2/2)

— ☀️Sonny Kiss☀️ (@SonnyKissXO) February 14, 2019