As we previously reported here on eWn, the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission passed a motion to issue AEW a warning concerning Nyla Rose’s participation in one of their events in the state.
The Commission raised concerns about Rose’s gender identity, as she identifies as transgender but listed herself as female.
Despite this, AEW President Tony Khan extended his support to Rose in the wake of the motion.
On a recent edition of his “Kliq This” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shared his views on the matter.
Nash criticized the Commission’s decision, calling it “antiquated” and suggested it was motivated by political reasons.
He said, “I think it’s the antiquated commissions that they have. When wrestling was still considered kayfabe and it was kind of [a] shoot; we used to have, like you’d go in and the commission doctor’s in there and all these guys would walk in, and their blood pressure would be off the f***ing charts. I’ve never seen anybody in my life be told by one of these commission doctors that they couldn’t participate. Because they all knew, as the guy was smoking a cigarette while he did his blood pressure, that it was a work and he wasn’t gonna go out there and do anything. So Oklahoma, because they’ve got the racket still set up, they try to politicize it. They don’t have a box in it for wrestling. But they’re gonna add one … I absolutely do [think it’s political] in Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma State Athletic Commission Warns AEW Over Nyla Rose’s Participation
The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission recently issued a warning to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) regarding the participation of wrestler Nyla Rose in one of their events in the state. The commission raised concerns about Rose’s gender identity, as she identifies as transgender but listed herself as female.
AEW President Tony Khan has come out in support of Rose, stating that the company stands by her and her right to compete. However, this warning from the commission has sparked a debate within the wrestling community.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently shared his views on the matter during an episode of his podcast, “Kliq This.” Nash criticized the commission’s decision, describing it as “antiquated” and suggesting that it may be politically motivated.
Nash reminisced about the old days of wrestling when commissions had doctors who would check the wrestlers’ health before matches. He mentioned how these doctors would often overlook any health issues because they knew wrestling was scripted entertainment. Nash believes that Oklahoma’s commission is trying to politicize the situation due to their outdated approach to wrestling regulation.
The former wrestler’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports. While some argue that transgender individuals should be allowed to compete according to their gender identity, others believe that it creates an unfair advantage.
Nyla Rose, who made history as the first openly transgender woman to sign with a major wrestling promotion, has faced criticism and support throughout her career. Despite the controversy, she has become a prominent figure in AEW and has gained a significant fan following.
AEW has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusivity in professional wrestling. The company has showcased a diverse roster and has actively supported LGBTQ+ wrestlers, including Nyla Rose.
It remains to be seen how AEW will respond to the warning from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission. The company has not released an official statement regarding the matter, but Tony Khan’s support for Nyla Rose suggests that they will stand by their wrestler.
As the conversation around transgender athletes continues to evolve, it is crucial for sports organizations and commissions to address these issues with sensitivity and inclusivity. The case of Nyla Rose serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by transgender individuals in sports and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all athletes.