WOULD A Gay Character Work in WWE?

[OYDK]

Just read an interview on the main page with Stephanie Mcmahon, where she talks about Darren Young and his wrestling character. Steph says something along the lines of, "while the man Darren Young (Fred Rosser) is gay, the character he portrays is not," and it once again got me thinking about the role of LGBT in the wrestling world. First of all, let me make one thing clear... personally, I don't think sexual orientation has any place in pro-wrestling period. If somebody is straight that's cool, if somebody is gay, that's cool too, but I don't think that should ever be a focus or really, even brought up on screen. Just the thought of Darren Young portraying a character that's based around his "gayness" makes me cringe. Which brings up another point, what would a gay character even look or sound like? Knowing WWE their idea of gay would be highly flamboyant with a strong fashion sense and feminine tones of voice... think Rico mixed with Billy and Chuck...

Another issue is the fans. As much as we like to think we're a tolerant group who can handle something as unique as a gay character in the WWE, this site has taught me that it just wouldn't be a good idea. Not meaning to offend anybody, but over the years I've realized that apart from soccer fans, wrestling fans are among the most ignorant and arrogant fans in the world. There is no doubt in my mind that WWE would have to combat and find a way to deal with many derogatory chants from a good portion of the audience.

So as you can probably guess, my opinion is that WWE and wrestling period, is not ready to embrace the world of LGBT just yet.

What's your opinion on the portrayal of gay characters in pro-wrestling?

 

[Mighty NorCal]

That was a hilariously idiotic thing for someone in her position to say.


What exactly does a "gay character" consist of? Making out with other dudes?


Darren Young is a gay guy. He wrestles. Neither thing is mutually exclusive, nor do they need to be.


Darren Young's character is portrayed exactly how a gay character should be. As being just like everyone else.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

The problem with a "gay character" is that such a character would almost certainly be made up of various stereotypes that would almost certainly wind up pissing someone off. Political correctness is something that's often stretched to such an absurd degree that it sometimes becomes almost a parody of itself and I think a parody is how the "gay character" would ultimately come off.

As Norcal mentioned, what exactly is a "gay character" supposed to do? Is he supposed to hit on other members of the roster? Is he supposed to rub himself suggestively against his opponents during matches? Is he supposed to speak with some sort of feminine lisp while dressing in a tube top and a pair of Daisy Dukes? Those stereotypes are really the only way that you could distinguish a character as a "gay character" in order to make the character stand out and that's a hornet's nest that WWE should do its best to avoid because, as I said, all it'll accomplish is offend some viewers, some of whom are gay and some of whom are homophobic, so all it'll accomplish is generate controversy that'll ultimately paint the company in a negative light.

 

[ASKane]

I don't trust WWE to do a gay character because they would go to a Rico or Orlando Jordan type guy, he would be very flamboyant, feminine and want to be with every wrestler. In my opinion Darren Young is playing a gay character because the character he is playing is basically himself and he is gay

 

[Dream]

That was a hilariously idiotic thing for someone in her position to say.


What exactly does a "gay character" consist of? Making out with other dudes?


Darren Young is a gay guy. He wrestles. Neither thing is mutually exclusive, nor do they need to be.


Darren Young's character is portrayed exactly how a gay character should be. As being just like everyone else.

She stated that he is not an openly gay character. Meaning his sexual preference is not included in storylines. It's not an idiotic thing to say, it's just a statement.

This is the reason why he's not an openly gay character, because people would be offended constantly. There is no win for this.

And no, gay people aren't like everyone else. They like the same sex. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's not like WWE is making him make out with Divas on the screen.

Again, nothing wrong with being gay, and romantic angles are generally stupid in WWE anyway, so there's just no need for it and not something that would result in good publicity for WWE either way.

 

[Navi]

What's your opinion on the portrayal of gay characters in pro-wrestling?

Well there have been a few questionable characters that make you think. And others that out-rightly display blatant femininity. Some that comes to mind are Gorgeous George, Adorable Adrian Adonis, a tag team I barely remember think one of them was named Billy and of course Goldust.

Didn't TNA try it with Orlando Jones I think, and there was some sort of lesbian thing for awhile with Mickie James. I don't think the audience has a problem with it really. Most of them are so flamboyant that most would see it as part of being in character, whether or not they are gay or not.

In the world of professional wrestling, where we have seen characters like The Boogeyman and others, having Darren Young as a just a guy who is gay would be welcome.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

She stated that he is not an openly gay character. Meaning his sexual preference is not included in storylines.

Unless the OP's quote is inaccurate, then no, that's not what she stated.

Furthermore, being "openly gay" doesn't constitute sticking your tongue down other guys throats. Am I not "openly hetero" because I am not ramming some girl at all times? No, I just...am. Just as Darren Young is gay.

And no, gay people aren't like everyone else. They like the same sex.

Which makes no difference whatsoever when competing in an athletic endeavor, simulated or not. If you want to view it in a "100% TV show" lense, then I suppose it makes sense, but I think Stephanie Mcmahon is the only person on earth tone-deaf enough to see it that way.

 

[stingray11214]

It would not work. Not in this day and age. You'll have too many people who would be butthurt and then go denounce the character on social media. A lot of characters like this would end up being sterotypical. You had men like Pat Patterson and The Grand Wizard who IRL were as gay as the 1890's. Did you know it? Probably not. Adrian Adonis, Adrian Street, Billy, Chuck and Rico portrayed effeminate characters which worked back in the day. It would be foolhardy to do what they did now. Not only would you have people denouncing Stamford, but the wrestler portraying that character as well. In the end, it just would not be worth the aggravation.

 

[Dream]

Unless the OP's quote is inaccurate, then no, that's not what she stated.

Furthermore, being "openly gay" doesn't constitute sticking your tongue down other guys throats. Am I not "openly hetero" because I am not ramming some girl at all times? No, I just...am. Just as Darren Young is gay.




Which makes no difference whatsoever when competing in an athletic endeavor, simulated or not. If you want to view it in a "100% TV show" lense, then I suppose it makes sense, but I think Stephanie Mcmahon is the only person on earth tone-deaf enough to see it that way.

That is exactly what she stated. She said they have not done anything with it his character yet that indicates his character is gay. Maybe you should do some research before acting like a know it all.

Here is her quote:

"Darren Young was the first WWE superstar to really come out as being homosexual, but his character in the show is not," McMahon said. "At least, we haven't done anything with it either way — just yet."

And um, when did I say being hetero is "ramming some girl all the time" or that gay people "ram guys all the time"?

Again, calm down there sissy boy. WWE runs love angles all the time. If you have D.Y. be an openly gay character, then obviously there would be some sort of gay-centric storylines to go with it. They are avoiding that because people like you would come out offended no matter what.

Why not just keep it neutral like it is now? You are right - gay people are just normal people. Darren Young's character is a normal character.

Exactly, what do you want them to do to make it apparent he is "gay"?

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

Darren Young is a gay guy. He wrestles. Neither thing is mutually exclusive, nor do they need to be.

Darren Young's character is portrayed exactly how a gay character should be. As being just like everyone else.

Exactly. There's no need to emphasis Young being gay, by making him act and dress stereotypically camp to stress the point. He's no different from anyone else and the way he's portrayed on screen is fine right now- trying to focus on his sexuality is only likely to cause negative reactions in some of the less well-educated fans, unfortunately.

However, I do think WWE will refuse to put Young in a love-interest storyline as again it would create a backlash from some of their more vocal fans.

 

[Spidey Revivey]

Huh. I thought Darren Young portrayed exactly who he was, since one of his things is placing his forearms parallel to represent the equality sign.

But other than that, how does one portray being gay and still be considered interesting? When does sexual orientation make for a solid character? Would you watch a man whose gimmick was just him being straight? Hell, how can you even act that out without looking like some misogynistic asshole?

It's just not worth the headache. I'd like to pretend WWE are over demeaning their superstars in such a way just to get a chuckle from a few intolerant pricks. "Go out there and tell 'em just how gay ye are!" just doesn't sound like a good business move.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Again, calm down there sissy boy. WWE runs love angles all the time. If you have D.Y. be an openly gay character, then obviously there would be some sort of gay-centric storylines to go with it. They are avoiding that because people like you would come out offended no matter what.

Why not just keep it neutral like it is now? You are right - gay people are just normal people. Darren Young's character is a normal character.

What the hell is this? You know you are agreeing with my original sentiment, right?

My entire point was I don't get why there needs to be distinction between "Darren Young, the gay wrestler whom everyone is aware is gay" and some "gay character"

 

[Xemmy]

Darren Young's gay. He wrestles. That's all that needs to be of it. There isn't a way to make it a gimmick without turning him heel. That might be interesting, but it would offend pretty much anyone gay that felt it was hurting their movement, and they wouldn't be entirely wrong. The other option would be making him an offensive comedy jobber. So just. No. The best I could see for it, is a heel using it to insult him in a particularly heated promo. And it couldn't be a regular thing that every heel does to him, otherwise it would just be dead horse.

 

[BestSportsEntertainer]

What's the point? Would he make out with other guys or get caught with other men? That's make for some bad TV, and I wouldn't want to see it. I have nothing against gays, but don't broadcast it to the world.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Darren Young's gay. He wrestles. That's all that needs to be of it. There isn't a way to make it a gimmick without turning him heel. That might be interesting, but it would offend pretty much anyone gay that felt it was hurting their movement, and they wouldn't be entirely wrong. The other option would be making him an offensive comedy jobber. So just. No. The best I could see for it, is a heel using it to insult him in a particularly heated promo. And it couldn't be a regular thing that every heel does to him, otherwise it would just be dead horse.

I feel like at some point in the past, it would have been alluded to in an utterly inappropriate way by a heel, the way Triple H alluded to Booker T's past in their WM 19 title match build.....Of course, only for Darren Young to prove he is just as capable, strong, and competitive as anyone from any walk of life.




WWE isn't in that sort of business these days though. They are in the fast food business. No spice, no flash, just the good ol trusty big mac.

 

[Dream]

What the hell is this? You know you are agreeing with my original sentiment, right?

My entire point was I don't get why there needs to be distinction between "Darren Young, the gay wrestler whom everyone is aware is gay" and some "gay character"

Stephanie was asked the question. She didn't just say it out of no where.

 

[jaywalker]

I'll be honest, as much as I think gays should have a right to marry and all that, if I see two guys making out on RAW I'm changing the channel every time. It's just stomach unappealing. Just like I'd change the channel if Big Show went out naked, or some old lady did. I'd prefer they'd just say he's gay and leave it at that.

 

[kadroan]

Being gay shouldn't be a character. There's not an official "gay" look, it's just a sexual preference.

 

[Navi]

I'll be honest, as much as I think gays should have a right to marry and all that, if I see two guys making out on RAW I'm changing the channel every time. It's just stomach unappealing. Just like I'd change the channel if Big Show went out naked, or some old lady did. I'd prefer they'd just say he's gay and leave it at that.

Quite honestly I think most people would change the channel if Big Show walked out naked. That wouldn't matter if you are gay or not. And I don't think we'll see any guys kissing each other anytime soon. The only thing that gets kissed on RAW is Vince's ass, and it's been a long time since that happened.

 

[Cats Pajamas]

What is Stephanie even talking about? For what reason does she feel need to preserve the heterosexual image of the Darren Young character? He’s not Rick Rude… he’s not Val Venis… what the hell difference does it make?

Vince’s version of a gay character would most certainly piss off certain members of the LGBT community (think of a wrassler that uses a lot of rest holds then slips a banana in his trunks off screen for effect), but Trips and Steph are a little more PR friendly and could probably restrain their tastelessness more effectively. It’d still upset a few people who are going to get upset no matter what, but most members of the LGBT community would handle it civilly, I should hope.

If they needed a gay character for storyline purposes, it could work if they wanted it to. No reason it couldn’t.

 

[chuckmdubya]

I think this is one of those places WWE won't be willing to go. It's too touchy of a subject. No matter how PC WWE would be with the character, they would eventually do something that some would consider offensive or homophobic. Regardless of intent, eventually there would be problems. These problems would ruin the career of the gay superstar and damage WWE's public image they have worked so hard to craft since the Attitude era.
If there is ever a gay dude or diva, the aspect of the character that is gay, does not need to be a prominent part of his gimmick. Lets use Duke the dumpster as an example. He was a garbage collector, that was his job. He was a straight garbage collector but no-one ever mentioned that. They could have a character, who is gay in real life, have his gimmick and then come out as gay. There could be no "intolerant" superstars who wanted to fight him because they don't like gay people. It would have to be a shoot-kayfabe mix. We all know Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella are married. We could know who the gay superstar's real life partner is. Stuff like that. But his sexual orientation should not be a part of booking. With the lone exception of involving the partner in a situation similar to John Cena's parents being involved.

Even after all that, it is still almost inevitable, that someone would be offended, just because the subject is so socially touchy right now.

 

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Golddust when he started was a gay character , so was Adrian Adonis..to an extent.

 

[Kizzani]

This is by far the dumbest thing I have ever read. They tried "gay" Billy and Chuck, Mickie and Trish.....they have worked these angles, the problem is people like YOU who this gay means something different that normal.

I grew up with my aunt who was gay, but outside of parties and home life You would never know here or her wife were no straight. So what are you looking for? and Over the top flamer with flicking of wrists, bright colors and kissing random guys or girls?

So basically ever lame as television version of a homosexual that is no tv. I doubt the majority of WWE or wrestling fans are homosexual and the rest are bigots ( you can tell by the love Hispanics, Divas, African-Americans, or even Asians receive) just take a look at home the fans react to someone they think is Russian.

These are not my opinions just what I have seen watching wrestling for 30 years, I was so stoked to see someone as deserving as the rock finally get a push tot he top of the roster.

 

[BestSportsEntertainer]

just take a look at home the fans react to someone they think is Russian..

That's because Russians (and foreigners wrestler in WWE in general) are booked like evil heels who hate America. When you're on the mic talking about how great Russia is and how awful America is, expect to be booed.

 

[FromGlasgow]

Theres too much political correctness now for a new feminine stereotypical gay character, I wouldn't have any problem with it as others have mentioned theres been so many in the past like Goldust etc and think most sensible people can seperate reality from a fictional character, I would have no idea what a gay character would consist of who wasn't the feminine stereotypical gay except for him being just a regular guy who happens to be gay but thats not really a character.