Earlier this week, fans took to social media to warn Cody Rhodes of homophobia going on in part of the AEW fanbase. Fans have been posting homophobic comments in regards to the recently announce women's triple threat bout between Kylie Rae, Britt Baker, and Nyla Rose. Fans have also posted homophobic comments in regards to AEW signing Sonny Kiss.
. @TheBrandiRhodes and @CodyRhodes I’m super appreciative of you guys showcasing trans &queer wrestlers. It’s equally important for you guys to address the rampant homophobia in some of your fanbase w/ a lot of these comments. A message showcasing your disapproval goes a long way
— D.A.M (@Dnellicious) February 13, 2019
Cody replied, not wanting to "signal boost" hatred.
We are promoting matches that’s causing this apparent debate (which I admittedly have not seen and instead have seen only excitement/happiness). The stand is in standing by those matches. Why would we signal boost hatred? Wrestling is for everybody and not everything is a scandal
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 13, 2019
That’s standard practice for any credible company in 2019. This is a dated conversation. NOBODY is going to be able to vilify LGBT competitors/fans/staff at our events. Wrestling is for everybody.
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 13, 2019
Cody was called out for calling the conversation "dated" with many noting that it's a conversation worth having in 2019. As a result, AEW issued the following statement on the matter:
As we look ahead to Las Vegas, let’s take this opportunity to make it clear that AEW is totally inclusive. We fully support and celebrate all of our athletes, and all of our fans, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, gender, religion or ethnicity. Period. (1/2)
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) February 13, 2019
A safe, inclusive, respectful and very cool environment will be central to everything we do at AEW. Be who you are, and come as you are. Because we're all going to come together as a community to change the world. #AEW (2/2)
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) February 13, 2019
Sonny Kiss also weighed in on the topic.
This fight isn’t for heterosexuals to glorify us—it’s simply to have the same rights that you do. There is no “agenda.” You are more than allowed to have your beliefs. Our GOAL as LGBTQ+ people is to co-exist with you, comfortably. (1/2)
— Sonny Kiss (@SonnyKissXO) February 14, 2019
Don’t take away someone else’s rights when you don’t want it done to YOU! Period! (2/2)
— Sonny Kiss (@SonnyKissXO) February 14, 2019
AEW Double or Nothing is scheduled for May 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
