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Sports

WWE Makes History by Signing Openly Gay Wrestler Jake Atlas

"I am also gay. I am proud of that."

Taylor Henderson

Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!

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Taylor Henderson

cornbreadsays

October 24 2019 2:24 PM EST

November 08 2024 4:52 AM EST

Professional wrestler Jake Atlas has just signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment, making him the first wrestler to sign while openly gay.

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According to Out, Atlas publicly came out as gay on an episode of Undercover Boss in 2018 where he explained to WWE's Chief Brand Manager Stephanie McMahon that he wanted to become the company's first out wrestler signed. They offered him a “brand ambassador” contract at the end of the episode.

A handful of wrestlers have come out as gay or bisexual after signing with major wrestling companies, but Atlas has wanted to be upfront about who he is from the jump. Atlas is the second out gay man to compete in the WWE following Darren Young, who came out to TMZ in 2013 in the midst of his tenure. Orlando Jordan, Chris Kanyon, and Pat Patterson came out after retiring, and Sonya Deville is the first WWE superstar to be an out lesbian.

Being out and proud while wrestling has always been important to Atlas. Earlier this year, he told Outsports that "to have management believe in my story and background, allowing me to showcase my pride with the lifestyle I live, has been an incredible sense of relief."