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- Shayna Baszler
A fierce competitor with extensive martial arts expertise, Shayna Baszler quickly ascended through the ranks of professional wrestling since her transition from MMA in 2015 – highlighted by multiple NXT Women's Championship reigns in WWE. Identifying as pansexual, Baszler serves as a beacon for LGBTQ+ representation within mainstream wrestling while continuously showcasing her prowess between the ropes.
Shayna Baszler’s Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the NXT Women’s Championship twice.
- Participating in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, reaching the finals.
- Being a part of the first Women's WarGames match in NXT.
- Having a record-shattering 416 day reign as NXT Women's champion.- Birthplace: Sioux Falls, USA, South Dakota
- Nationality: United States of America
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- #55 of 149 onThe Best Female Wrestlers Of All Time
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- #41 of 50 onThe Best Female MMA Strikers Of All Time
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- Viper
A powerful force within the wrestling world, Piper Niven has made a significant impact since stepping into the ring. This talented performer has competed in high-profile matches across various promotions, including WWE and NXT UK. As an openly gay wrestler, Niven plays an important role in representing LGBTQ+ individuals within the industry and has continued to inspire fans with her strength and resilience.
Piper Niven's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the ICW Women's Championship in 2017, defeating Kay Lee Ray.
- Winning the World of Stardom Championship in 2017, defeating Io Shirai.
- Participating in the WWE's inaugural Mae Young Classic in 2017, making it to the quarterfinals.
- Becoming a participant of the NXT UK Women's Championship in 2019.- Birthplace: Ayrshire, Scotland
- Nationality: Scotland
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- sonyadevillewwe
Breaking barriers as WWE's first openly lesbian wrestler, Sonya Deville has been lauded for both her in-ring abilities and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. A fierce competitor who combines striking power with submission skills, she is also dedicated to raising awareness about inclusivity and acceptance off-screen. With a trailblazing career that continues to flourish, Deville remains influential within the wrestling community.
Sonya Deville's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Participating in 2015 WWE Tough Enough series, finishing in 11th place.
- Being part of the inaugural women's Royal Rumble match in WWE in 2018.
- Participating in the first-ever women's Elimination Chamber match and the first-ever women's Money in the Bank ladder match in 2018.
- Competing in landmark "Loser Leaves WWE" match against Mandy Rose at SummerSlam in 2020.- Birthplace: Shamong Township, New Jersey
- Nationality: United States of America
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Darren Young
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Best known for his time with WWE under the moniker of Darren Young, Fred Rosser has consistently demonstrated strong athleticism and formidable technique throughout his career. His groundbreaking moment came in 2013 when he publicly announced his homosexuality, becoming one of the first openly gay wrestlers in this global organization. Rosser's courage paved the way for others to be open about their identity while continuing to excel inside the ring.
Darren Young's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the WWE Tag Team Championship in 2015 with Titus O'Neil, defeating The New Day.
- Participating in the inaugural season of NXT in 2010.
- Being a continuity member of The Nexus.
- Making waves by becoming the first openly gay active wrestler in WWE history.
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Widely recognized as an industry legend, Pat Patterson boasts numerous achievements during his illustrious wrestling tenure - such as serving as WWE's inaugural Intercontinental Champion and working behind-the-scenes as a creative mastermind. Openly gay throughout much of his life, Patterson's remarkable accomplishments have etched him into history books as an icon who challenged societal norms while making invaluable contributions to professional wrestling.
Pat Patterson's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the first-ever WWE Intercontinental Championship in 1979.
- Being one of the first openly gay professional wrestlers.
- Induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
- Creating the WWE's Royal Rumble match in 1988.- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Nationality: Canada, United States of America
More Pat Patterson- #247 of 333 onThe Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time
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- #133 of 205 onCollege & Professional Athletes Who Are Openly Gay
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Known by many as "Mortis" or "Kanyon," Chris Klucsarits contributed significantly to professional wrestling during both his WCW and WWE stints before ultimately retiring in 2004 due to injuries sustained in the ring. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2010 after struggling with mental health issues and coming to terms with his sexuality. Despite these challenges, Kanyon's in-ring prowess and dedication to the sport remain evident through his impact on fellow wrestlers.
Chris Kanyon's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship in 2000, defeating Booker T.
- Winning the WCW/WWE Tag Team Championship twice with Diamond Dallas Page and Bam Bam Bigelow.
- Participating in memorable feuds with The Undertaker and Diamond Dallas Page in WWE.
- Coming out as gay in 2004, making him one of the first openly gay wrestlers.- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Sunnyside
- Nationality: United States of America
More Chris Kanyon- #89 of 97 onThe Best WCW Wrestlers of All Time
- #20 of 32 onThe Best Masked Wrestlers in WWE History
- #42 of 56 onWho Is The Most Famous Chris In The World?
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A legendary manager known as "The Grand Wizard," Ernie Roth is celebrated for his time guiding iconic wrestlers such as Stan Stasiak and Don Muraco. Having worked primarily during an era when homosexuality was not openly discussed, Roth defied expectations within wrestling circles while making a name for himself as a creative genius who forged deep connections with both talent and fans.
Ernie Roth's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- His successful run as manager The Grand Wizard in the WWWF.
- Induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.
- Managed multiple WWE Champions, including Superstar Billy Graham and Stan Stasiak.
- His unique promotional interviews and flamboyant character persona.- Birthplace: Canton, Ohio, USA
- Nationality: US
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- daniela
- flickr
- CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0
Embodying the spirit of exótico luchadores - traditionally effeminate or flamboyant Mexican wrestlers - Cassandro has garnered acclaim for blending athletic skill, vibrant personality, and openness about his sexuality into captivating performances. Also known by the moniker "Cassandro el Exótico," Saúl Armendáriz showcases courage by breaking boundaries in a culture typically characterized by machismo.
Cassandro's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the NWA World Welterweight Championship in 1992.
- Winning the UWA World Lightweight Championship in 1991.
- Participating in the documentary "Cassandro, the Exotico!" in 2018.
- Known for being a leading figure in the exotico-style lucha libre (a style performed by drag queens).- Birthplace: El Paso, Texas
- Nationality: American
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As a trailblazer in women's professional wrestling throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sandy Parker demonstrated immense talent and tenacity inside the squared circle. Openly lesbian during her career, she faced discrimination both from promoters and peers but refused to let that hinder her drive to succeed. Today, Parker is remembered as a pioneering figure whose fearlessness opened doors for future generations of LGBTQ+ athletes.
Sandy Parker's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the NWA Women's World Tag Team Championship twice with partner Sue Green.
- Participating in prominent wrestling promotions such as the American Wrestling Association and NWA.
- Known for being one of the early openly lesbian wrestlers.
- Her contributions towards women's wrestling during the 1970s and early 1980s.- Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
Rosa Mendes
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Possessing an undeniable charisma in addition to her wrestling skills, Rosa Mendes (Milena Roucka) captivated audiences during her tenure with WWE between 2006 and 2017. After retiring from active competition, Mendes revealed that she identifies as bisexual – further highlighting representation within professional wrestling's diverse landscape while proving that love transcends labels.
Rosa Mendes' Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Her long tenure with WWE from 2006 to 2017.
- Participating in the reality television show Total Divas.
- Her storyline involvement with wrestlers like Primo & Epico, Fandango, and Adam Rose.
- Her candid openness about struggling with and overcoming addiction issues.Jim Barnett
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A significant behind-the-scenes figure within wrestling's history, Jim Barnett was an influential promoter who co-founded World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in Australia and later played an important role in the expansion of Ted Turner's WCW during the 1990s. Openly gay at a time when such admissions were rare, Barnett left an indelible mark on the business as a whole, demonstrating that personal identity should not be a barrier to success.
Jim Barnett's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Becoming one of the first openly gay wrestling promoters.
- Owning and operating influential wrestling territories such as Georgia Championship Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling in Australia.
- His contributions to popular TV wrestling format, including the introduction of color TV to wrestling broadcasts.
- Being instrumental in the creation of Pay-Per-View programming for wrestling events.- Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Nationality: US
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A powerful and charismatic performer, Matt Cage has left a lasting impression on the independent wrestling scene with his exceptional ability in the ring. In 2015, he courageously came out as gay via social media, providing inspiration to athletes and fans alike by sharing his personal journey of self-acceptance. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within sports, Cage's story continues to resonate with many.
Matt Cage's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the IWA Mid-South Tag Team Championship twice.
- Winning the Dreamwave Alternative Championship in 2012.
- Coming out as gay in 2015, making him one of the notable openly gay wrestlers in the independent wrestling scene.
- Participating in notable independent wrestling promotions like IWA Mid-South, Dreamwave Wrestling, and National Wrestling Alliance.- Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
- Nationality: United States of America
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A former WWE United States Champion, Orlando Jordan was known for his formidable athleticism and tenacious style during his career from the early 2000s until retiring in 2018. Identifying as bisexual and genderfluid, Jordan challenged traditional expectations both inside and outside the ring through his openness about his sexuality – creating a more inclusive environment within wrestling for future generations to thrive.
Orlando Jordan's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the WWE United States Championship in 2005, defeating John Cena.
- Participating in a prominent feud with Chris Benoit during his WWE tenure.
- Being an openly bisexual professional wrestler.
- Winning the TNA World Tag Team Championship in 2010 in a team with Eric Young.- Birthplace: Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
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An integral figure in professional wrestling history, Terry Garvin held various roles throughout his storied career, including wrestler, promoter, and backstage employee at WWE. Though he experienced turmoil due to allegations surrounding sexual misconduct that ultimately led to his departure from WWE in 1992, Garvin made significant contributions to the sport behind the scenes while living openly as a gay man during a time when acceptance was far less widespread.
Terry Garvin's Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning multiple Tag Team Championships across NWA territories with partner Ron Garvin.
- Role as a backstage producer and talent scout for WWE during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Being part of the notable tag team "The Flying Garvins".
- His influence on the careers of notable wrestlers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.- Birthplace: Québec, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
Tegan Nox
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- Tegan Nox
Hailing from Wales and joining NXT UK after establishing herself on the independent scene as "Nixon Newell," Tegan Nox (real name Steffanie Newell) has become synonymous with hard-hitting action and perseverance despite facing multiple injury setbacks in her career. Nox publicly came out as a lesbian in 2020, inspiring fans and athletes alike through her courage while showcasing that one's sexuality should not define their potential for success.
Tegan Nox’s Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning AEW Women's World Champion defeating Hikaru Shida
- Participating in both the 2018 and 2019 Mae Young Classic tournaments.
- Getting through to the semi-finals of the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with Shotzi Blackheart.
- Competed in the first-ever NXT Women's WarGames match in 2019.- Photo:
Toni Storm
As a trailblazing performer who has achieved considerable success across numerous promotions – including WWE, NXT UK, and Stardom in Japan – Toni Storm has consistently demonstrated an ability to captivate audiences with her athleticism and charisma. In 2021, she revealed that she identifies as bisexual, further contributing to LGBTQ+ representation within professional wrestling while continuing to break down barriers both inside and outside the ring.
Toni Storm’s Greatest Achievements of Their Career:
- Winning the NXT UK Women's Championship in 2019, defeating Rhea Ripley.
- Winning the Progress Women's Championship and the wXw Women's Championship.
- Winning the 2018 Mae Young Classic.
- Being a participant in the first-ever NXT UK Women's Championship Tournament.
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