Professional wrestler Kenny Omega. | Photo: Courtney Rose / Flickr
Professional wrestler Kenny Omega believes LGBTI fans should feel welcome in the sport.
The Canadian born wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2010. This was after years in the professional wrestling circuit in the US, including a stint with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
He’s part of a wrestling duo known as the Golden Lovers, alongside Japanese wrestler Kota Ibushi.
But they’ve never confirmed if they’re actually lovers or just really close friends. Until now… sort of.
Kenny Omega vs ACH. | Photo: Courtney Rose / Flickr
Omega told Yahoo Sports: ‘If LGBT people can identify with our story – if they think ‘the Golden Lovers are my team’ – I’m good with that. It’s the story of two wrestlers who shared dreams on their way up, who became fast friends, who are now reuniting at the top of their game.’
‘Everyone should feel welcome to the show’
Omega describes Ibushi as ‘the very first friend’ he made when he moved to Japan. They’re very close and their on stage relationship reflects that.
But Omega said some fans have sent him homophobic messages on social media in the past. He believes in WWE especially, gay people are usually portrayed like a comedy act ‘to be mocked and laughed at.’
What a moment!! REUNITED AT LAST!! Watch now▶︎https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP#NJNBG #NJPWWorld pic.twitter.com/mL9B6NBPiB
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) 28 January 2018
But times are changing and he says wrestling should reflect that.
He said: ‘I think it’s important to show in the 21st century that if you’re gay, lesbian, trans, whatever, that you should feel just as welcome to be a wrestling fan as anyone else. You’re welcome in the space.
‘Everyone should feel welcome to the show,’ he added.
You can watch the full story of their relationship:
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