The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission (OSAC) has publicized plans to defer their regulations on intergender wrestling to the state’s governing body. This announcement follows their earlier disapproval of a wrestling match between Nyla Rose and Alejandra Leon, which was taped for Ring of Honor Television (ROH TV) in December 2023.
Nyla Rose, a transgender woman, was engaged in the wrestling bout with Leon which was subsequently labeled as an “intergender” match by the OSAC. As a consequence of this ruling, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was issued a “warning.”
OKC Fox reports that on Tuesday, the OSAC convened to consider altering the rule pertaining to intergender wrestling. A vote was conducted and they reached a consensus to request the legislature to review the issue in a public hearing.
This proposed rule alteration has stirred up mixed feelings within the commission. A few members cited a recent law requiring athletes to compete on sports teams that align with their biological sex at birth. These members believe that changing the rule violates this law. However, others believe this law should not apply to the realm of professional wrestling.
The Commission’s Michael Stopp shared his concern that potential political ramifications could follow should the OSAC decide to change this rule independently. He explained, “Even if they are defined by statute as male and female, are we still going to allow them to wrestle together. That’s the question, and it’s going to get lost. The rule will never pass.”
Presently, there is no information available as to when the legislative hearing might occur.