AEW TBS Champion Kris Statlander has shared how she came to use sign language as part of her wrestling character, calling it an “underappreciated” skill.
Speaking with “Under the Ring,” Statlander shared how she first used American Sign Language as a heel before learning more about the form of communication. She said,
“My biggest thing that made me start doing it was sometimes on the indies, I would hold up this hand … I think this an ‘F’ and a ‘U’ [signs the letters.] So I would hold those up as I was walking to the ring as a bad guy because I just thought it was funny. No one really understood what I was doing, but I just thought, ‘There’s a fun little thing if someone did know what it was.’ That’s really it.
“And then I was like, ‘I can learn more about it, and I can find other ways to incorporate sign language.’ And I’m glad that it’s noticed and people really like that I do it. It’s also very underappreciated, and not used enough skill and language. So I think it’s cool to kind of bring a little bit more awareness to it, and I hope it encourages some people to at least learn how to fingerspell and learn the alphabet.”
Statlander’s use of ASL will no doubt be appreciated by the 10.7 million people in the U.S. with moderate hearing loss and the 1.8 million with severe hearing loss.
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
AEW TBS Champion Kris Statlander has recently opened up about her use of sign language as part of her wrestling character, highlighting it as an “underappreciated” skill. In a conversation on the “Under the Ring” podcast, Statlander shared how she initially incorporated American Sign Language (ASL) into her persona as a villain, but soon realized the potential and importance of this form of communication.
Statlander explained that during her time on the independent wrestling circuit, she would hold up her hand in a specific gesture that represented the letters “F” and “U.” Although most people did not understand the meaning behind it, she found it amusing. This experience sparked her interest in learning more about sign language and finding additional ways to incorporate it into her performances.
The wrestler expressed her satisfaction in receiving positive feedback for her use of sign language and emphasized that it is an underutilized skill. She hopes that by showcasing sign language in her matches, she can raise awareness about its importance and encourage others to learn at least the basics, such as fingerspelling and the alphabet.
Statlander’s incorporation of ASL is not only entertaining but also meaningful for the millions of people in the United States who have varying degrees of hearing loss. According to statistics, approximately 10.7 million individuals have moderate hearing loss, while 1.8 million have severe hearing loss. By using sign language, Statlander is providing representation and inclusivity for this community within the wrestling world.
The wrestler’s dedication to incorporating sign language into her character demonstrates her commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It serves as a reminder that professional wrestling can be a platform for promoting understanding and appreciation for different cultures and abilities.
In conclusion, Kris Statlander’s use of sign language as part of her wrestling character is a commendable effort to bring attention to an underappreciated skill. By incorporating ASL into her performances, she not only entertains her audience but also raises awareness about the importance of sign language and inclusivity for individuals with hearing loss. Statlander’s actions serve as an inspiration for others to learn and appreciate sign language, ultimately promoting a more inclusive society.