Darren Young comes out as gay

[Jack-Hammer]

For anyone thinking that WWE won't exploit this, remember Billy & Chuck? They worked so hard to make them look gay they even put them on the Today show to announce and promote their wedding. Now they're gonna have a field day with this one because is a real homosexual.

With WWE being PG, society being far more politically correct than it was in the early 2000s and various laws that have been passed since; I don't think it'll happen this time around. Doing some sort of exploitative storyline in this day and age, especially with WWE preaching tolerance, respect and anti-bullying all around as part of the Be A Star campaign, doing something exploitative involving Darren Young's sexual orientation would obliterate the good will WWE has generated and the image as being a family friendly entertainment option on one fell swoop.

When it comes to controversial angles, WWE simply can't get away with things now that they did 10-15 years back. Look at the response of CM Punk & Paul Heyman "mocking" Lawler's heart attack, the initial uproar over Zeb Coulter & Jack Swagger's "real Americans" gimmick, CM Punk pouring "Paul Bearer's ashes" over a prone & beaten Undertaker. People were freaking out left & right over the internet, on Twitter, Facebook, forums, etc. even though it was all 100% scripted with prior approval from all parties involved.

With all these tolerance laws about gays/gender confused people being able to use what ever restroom/lockroom they feel suits them, does this mean that Darren could go for the Diva's championship if he wanted?

What if WWE told him no? Could he sue? What if he wants to start using the divas locker room?

Homosexuality and gender confusion aren't the same thing. Homosexuality is being sexually attracted to a member of the same sex while gender confusion is generally when someone believes that they've been born with the wrong gender. Based on what information has been released, Darren Young is a gay man, not a woman trapped in a man's body. Since he's male, the notion of him challenging & wrestling women, using women's restrooms or locker rooms is a great example of the kind of stereotypical absurdity that WWE needs to avoid completely. In the grand scheme of things, it might be safer for WWE to simply not try to make any sort of big deal about Young coming out altogether. There's just too many pitfalls to avoid and I don't see how WWE could manage to keep from pissing people off royally, even unintentionally.

What I'm more concerned about is how fans are going to react. I have little doubt that there'll be some fans at some shows, whether it be house shows, television or ppvs, that will decide to have a little fun and ridicule Young. Assholes like those in the audience at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony or the post WrestleMania Raw always pop up at shows.

 

[Kidpolean]

Yes, he is a good talent but if he gets pushed, it's only because he's gay. Because they sure haven't tried throwing him a bone this whole time with PTP.

What? 5 promos? 6 tops?

A push is a push regardless of the reason. People get pushes for the wrong reasons all the time. Hell, women get pushed just for being attractive and men get pushed just for being buff. I dont like this but this is how the WWE is and has been for awhile now

 

[Dysturbed]

everyone here things i'm some bigoted fool because I thought he had no reason to announce his sexuality

From what it looks like, the main issue that people actually took with you wasn't that you said “People coming out like it's the new trend. Why do people act like it's such an "inspiration" but the fact that you concluded the sentence with to be a pervert?”

You responded to those who called you out by claiming that they misread what you said and that you never specifically called Darren Young a pervert. Fair enough, but (and I apologize if I glossed over it) did you actually explain what you actually meant by the use of the word pervert?

 

[kingconor]

What is the point of asking a (non rhetorical) question only to tell someone to fuck off for having the nerve to answer it?


Maybe some openly gay posters can answer this since I am ignorant to the "lifestyle" but how many people would purposely choose to be gay knowing how they may be treated for it?

The people who think that being gay is a choice do so only for their own ideological benefit - that is, it makes it a whole lot easier to condemn gay people if it is not an innate thing. But the simple counter to that is to ask them when they chose to be straight.

For anyone thinking that WWE won't exploit this, remember Billy & Chuck? They worked so hard to make them look gay they even put them on the Today show to announce and promote their wedding. Now they're gonna have a field day with this one because is a real homosexual.


With all these tolerance laws about gays/gender confused people being able to use what ever restroom/lockroom they feel suits them, does this mean that Darren could go for the Diva's championship if he wanted?

What if WWE told him no? Could he sue? What if he wants to start using the divas locker room?

Everyone believes you are a bigoted fool because you used the words of a bigoted fool. You've just continued to display your ignorance. Why would he want to go for the women's belt? Why would he want to change in the women's locker room? You strike me as the sort of person who actually believes all the ridiculous stereotypes about gay people. He's not a woman, nor does he have to be effeminate. He's a male. Jesus....

I accept your beliefs and I'm probably one of the few who won't flame you for voicing them. While I disagree with your view on homosexuality(everyone here things i'm some bigoted fool because I thought he had no reason to announce his sexuality), i agree that NO ONES sexual orientation should be celebrated, but in this SUPER PC world You know DY is gonna get pushed to the moon, he already said he's slated to do some BAStar shit this weekend for SS

First of all, he did have a 'reason' to announce his sexuality. It was relevant to the question he was asked by the interviewer. He just answered it. What if the interviewer had instead asked if he was in a relationship and he replied that he had a boyfriend? Would that be announcing his sexuality? I assume you wouldn't think the same if he had said he had a girlfriend.

Second of all, his sexual orientation is not being celebrated. The fact that he came out of the closet is being celebrated. That's hardly being super PC, that's just being nice to the guy. And speaking of 'celebrating' someone's sexual orientation, would featuring HHH and Stephanie on Raw or Cena/Bryan with the Bellas on Total Divas not surely count as a 'celebration' of their heterosexuality? It seems pretty clear that when people say that others should really keep their sexuality private, they mean that non-heterosexual people should keep their sexuality private. The double standard is obvious.

 

[Tastycles]

I accept your beliefs and I'm probably one of the few who won't flame you for voicing them. While I disagree with your view on homosexuality(everyone here things i'm some bigoted fool because I thought he had no reason to announce his sexuality), i agree that NO ONES sexual orientation should be celebrated, but in this SUPER PC world You know DY is gonna get pushed to the moon, he already said he's slated to do some BAStar shit this weekend for SS

He didn't announce his sexuality though did he? Someone said "Could you be gay in the WWE?" and he said "Yes, I am". He couldn't have made it less of a big deal if he tried.

If the WWE are truly committed to this not being a big deal, they will completely ignore this and move on. If his sexuality doesn't matter, then it warrants no further comment. The WWE don't make storylines about wrestler's private lives, and this should be no different.

If he does get a push, then so be it, it's no different to pushing Khali because he's massive and Indian - you're exploiting the real life situations in order to reach new audiences, but personally I'd prefer it was just ignored all together. I'm not bothered that he's gay, and it doesn't affect my enjoyment of him in the slightest, but I long for a world where being gay is just completely unremarkable, and I think drawing attention to his sexuality won't help that.

As for those saying there'll be a locker room backlash, Cena's unguarded response has two possible meanings - 1) He's just found out Young is gay and genuinely doesn't care or 2) The locker room have known for a while, and haven't said or done anything. Either way, it doesn't suggest a reactionary response.

 

[ADLegend21]

He didn't announce his sexuality though did he? Someone said "Could you be gay in the WWE?" and he said "Yes, I am". He couldn't have made it less of a big deal if he tried.

If the WWE are truly committed to this not being a big deal, they will completely ignore this and move on. If his sexuality doesn't matter, then it warrants no further comment. The WWE don't make storylines about wrestler's private lives, and this should be no different.

If he does get a push, then so be it, it's no different to pushing Khali because he's massive and Indian - you're exploiting the real life situations in order to reach new audiences, but personally I'd prefer it was just ignored all together. I'm not bothered that he's gay, and it doesn't affect my enjoyment of him in the slightest, but I long for a world where being gay is just completely unremarkable, and I think drawing attention to his sexuality won't help that.

As for those saying there'll be a locker room backlash, Cena's unguarded response has two possible meanings - 1) He's just found out Young is gay and genuinely doesn't care or 2) The locker room have known for a while, and haven't said or done anything. Either way, it doesn't suggest a reactionary response.

I gotta correct you there because the WWE rehired Matt Hardy over his real life beef with Edge and Lita after she cheated on him with Edge and they feuded. If it makes for compelling TV and everyone is onboard, WWE will make a storyline out of anything.

 

[dansaint]

I have ONE concern with this. The publicity this could give WWE...and not in the good way. Ala...Westboro Baptist Church and all their followers.

They are a punchline, yes, but they also are one of those groups that yell loud enough to be heard. That's my only concern that they will do their damndest to make Darren's life, and all of his supporters lives, a living hell. I hope he's ready to handle this situation and I hope his support staff doesn't desert him.

 

[savage29]

Is it too early for "Pumphandle Slam" jokes?

Seriously though, good for DYoung. He and Titus are a really good duo on the WWE YT vids, and i'm still wondering why they haven't made them face yet.

 

[kingconor]

I have ONE concern with this. The publicity this could give WWE...and not in the good way. Ala...Westboro Baptist Church and all their followers.

They are a punchline, yes, but they also are one of those groups that yell loud enough to be heard. That's my only concern that they will do their damndest to make Darren's life, and all of his supporters lives, a living hell. I hope he's ready to handle this situation and I hope his support staff doesn't desert him.

Hmm, let's see, a multi-million dollar global corporation vs some fringe God-squad lunatics. I think he'll be fine. Not like the Westboro crowd have been able to touch a single high-profile gay celebrity at any point anyway.

 

[DetectiveZelix]

Lol at all the morons getting mad at people and arguing with them. Idiots. Anyways I can give a shit less that Young is gay. It was Already obvious as hell that he was gay but anyways his career will be the same nothing will change. I hope WWW won't use this for their B A Star bullshit campaign but it wouldn't surprise me if they did. But of well I know plenty of gay people. Some choose to be gay after having no luck with women for so long whilst others have feminine ways that eventually get them excluded from most manly men and they feel there's no where to turn for friendship or comfort and they find themselves friends with a lot of women and eventually start feeling emotions for men and go gay. Seen it happened lots of times. Then there's some that have always felt gay etc. point is people CAN choose to be gay. Hell I've even had friends go from gay to straight lol happens. Anyway they never bragged about being gay. Only challenge for most of them was telling their parents but they got over it. But any ways I don't mind the Darren young stuff. He's gay so what move on he's still boring as hell and sucks IMO

 

[KnowYoRole]

I hope everybody doesn't suddenly jump on his bandwagon and start clamoring for a push because of this. Him coming out doesn't change the fact that he's a terrible talent.

 

[Revelations1]

He's black and gay. He has no chance of succeeding now. Expect him to be future endeavored in the upcoming months.

 

[Sean Valjean]

Good for him. Not a fan of Darren at all, as his matches leave me in a vegetative state, but coming out takes a lot of guts. Hopefully WWE leaves it alone and doesn't make angle out of it. I also hope Darren doesn't suddenly win the Rumble, both MITB briefcases, unify the world titles and travel back in time to squash Bruno Sammartino in an attempt to make WWE look good for pushing an openly gay wrestler.

 

[Rasslin_fan]

What's the BIG deal with him being gay? There's gay people almost EVERYWHERE you go nowadays.

 

[insert_gimmick_here]

I'm pretty sure Darren Young planned this, and probably felt like his time in the company was running short since he is the weak link in his team with Titus. Now the WWE has to keep him employed for at least the next 6 months for fear of a backlash.

Shrewd on the part of Young.

 

[The Brain]

Why did this reporter randomly ask Darren Young about gay wrestlers if he did not know Young was gay? The video gives the impression that the reporter and camera crew just happened to stumble upon Young at the airport so they approached him for a quick comment. Why was that the topic that came to mind?

Anyway, I certainly don’t care that Young is gay. Never gave it any thought but it doesn’t surprise me either. I’ve never been a big fan of Young. I always thought he was the least talented guy from the original Nexus (although I barely remember Michael Tarver so I guess it’s a toss up). Young always came off like he was trying too hard which turned me off his character. He didn’t seem natural. Seeing this glimpse of his real personality gives me a bit of hope for him. I think he showed more natural charisma and personality just being himself than he does when he’s in character. I know most don’t want to see him getting some kind of patronizing push because he’s come out. My instinct is to agree with that but if it allows him to drop the PTP personality and be himself more I think it could benefit him.

 

[Pedigree1]

First and foremost wow this took tremendous guts on Darren's part. Really wow im so happy for him and it took a lot of courage for him to say something like that. We have come to a certain point in society where if someone is gay we the majority just go "Okay Cool". But sadly,a lot of other people,have a huge problem with that.

This took a lot of guts especially considering what he does for a living. We as fans,have heard all the jokes when i comes to wrestling and frankly im sick of the jokes i really am. Others have come out in the past,but not during their prime of their careers like Darren Has. Im sure there are others who havent come out yet,this again took tremendous guts on darrens part. Some have asked is this the reason why the PTP's push has been kinda been delayed? I dont think so. IMO Darren has just become a trailblazer good for him!

 

[enviousdominous]

This is getting some attention, I just caught this vid from a left leaning "news" program called The Young Turks.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/TRtqrc1SsrE

Their commentary on pro-wrestling is laughably ill-informed, but their sentiment toward Darren Young is very thoughtful. I'm pretty sure that nobody within WWE pushed this story onto The Young Turks.

 

[berlinbrawler]

In the old days the WWE would react by putting Darren in a dress and wear makeup and having him molest the other wrestlers.

In today's day and age I hope they will react to this revelation the correct way, though: By doing absolutely nothing at all about it. No sudden character change, no stereotyping, no different treatment, no push (or or demotion) because of it. It is and should be treated as a non-factor.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

Congratulations to Darren for having the guts to come out to the world, it does take alot of courage as there are still people who will react negatively to him being gay, but the vast majority of people don't care either way and are happy to let people live as they choose.

Me personally, I couldn't care less if he is straight, bi or gay, it doesn't matter to me one bit. I just hope WWE don't try and make this into a storyline and make a big deal out of him being gay. I dont think they will but you never know with Vince, he's always liable to do something shocking.

There has always been a taboo about professional athletes and sports stars coming out as gay in the "macho" world, I can only think of a very small number of examples so once again, I think its great Young has done this and I hope it doesnt affect him negatively.

 

[TheOutlawTornCpman]

It really does beg a question as to why this TMZ reporter asked him about gay wrestlers...I mean...He asked the 'one gay wrestler' what he thought on a subject pertaining to gay wrestlers, without knowing he was gay...and it turned out he was.

I certainly think that there is a very small percentage of homosexual wrestlers in the WWE or NXT right now, and that the odds of this happening were slim to none.

I think it was great that he came out, and good on him for setting an example...but the whole thing seems a tad fishy to me about how it came about.

 

[SSJPhenom]

With WWE being PG, society being far more politically correct than it was in the early 2000s and various laws that have been passed since; I don't think it'll happen this time around. Doing some sort of exploitative storyline in this day and age, especially with WWE preaching tolerance, respect and anti-bullying all around as part of the Be A Star campaign, doing something exploitative involving Darren Young's sexual orientation would obliterate the good will WWE has generated and the image as being a family friendly entertainment option on one fell swoop.

When it comes to controversial angles, WWE simply can't get away with things now that they did 10-15 years back. Look at the response of CM Punk & Paul Heyman "mocking" Lawler's heart attack, the initial uproar over Zeb Coulter & Jack Swagger's "real Americans" gimmick, CM Punk pouring "Paul Bearer's ashes" over a prone & beaten Undertaker. People were freaking out left & right over the internet, on Twitter, Facebook, forums, etc. even though it was all 100% scripted with prior approval from all parties involved.

I don't think that the WWE will necessarily do something exploitative with Young's sexual orientation, however, I do think that the WWE will do something involving Young's sexual orientation. The amount of publicity and good press that the WWE could get by allowing Darren Young a run with a midcard championship or something like that is far to huge of an opportunity for VKM to pass up IMO. I really don't see why people would be surprised if this happens.

As long as they don't make him overly feminine and stereotypical, I don't see an issue with using it in a storyline and allowing Darren Young a push off of it. I think that it's going to do wonders for their Be A Star campaign. A lot of you are only looking at the negatives of what would happen if the WWE were to use this for a story. I think that there are more positives then negatives, though.

 

[NickRude]

ive always called DY the gay black John Cena lol

props to him though, should be interesting to see when WWE puts him out there monday because you know he will be

 

[kingconor]

It really does beg a question as to why this TMZ reporter asked him about gay wrestlers...I mean...He asked the 'one gay wrestler' what he thought on a subject pertaining to gay wrestlers, without knowing he was gay...and it turned out he was.

I certainly think that there is a very small percentage of homosexual wrestlers in the WWE or NXT right now, and that the odds of this happening were slim to none.

I think it was great that he came out, and good on him for setting an example...but the whole thing seems a tad fishy to me about how it came about.

I would assume that Young organised this so that he could make his announcement without much fuss or hassle. The other option is that the interviewer had heard some sort of rumour or story about him and decided to engage in some unscrupulous journalism to see if he would react.

Of course, it could just be totally spontaneous. TMZ could've asked him other questions but only used the one clip we've seen because it's the only bit that is of interest.

 

[KnowMyRole-ShutYourMouth]

I would assume that Young organised this so that he could make his announcement without much fuss or hassle. The other option is that the interviewer had heard some sort of rumour or story about him and decided to engage in some unscrupulous journalism to see if he would react.

Of course, it could just be totally spontaneous. TMZ could've asked him other questions but only used the one clip we've seen because it's the only bit that is of interest.

It was definitely planned by WWE. They fucking love TMZ and the attention their "coverage" brings, and they wanted to capitalize on a hot button issue in the 2nd largest media market in the US convienently before their 2nd biggest PPV. And the only guy they bring this up to, first question mind you, turns out to be homosexual? Not to mention they definitely would want to get a jump on UFC and especially the NFL (WM @ Metlife before the SB) on the "gay player in a physically demanding sport" story.

Now, don't get me wrong. Good for WWE and especially D-Young. I'm all for equality. But in the grand scheme of things, just as Young put it: does this change how you feel about him? Because it shouldn't. And that's the point. I just hope the machine doesn't go forward and exploit it as they do with the majority of their good will endeavors.