In what feels like a massively positive step for professional wrestling, “He’s gay!” chants came cascading from the stands toward Anthony Bowens on AEW Rampage, but this time it was nothing but love.
On the show, Bowens, Max Caster, and Billy Gunn saw off three local wrestlers in under a minute before being confronted by Harley Cameron from QTV and other mysterious figures dressed in dark hoodies. Cameron then did her best to try and join The Acclaimed, singing and then rapping before resorting to turning on the charm, however, she picked the wrong target.
As she tried her luck with Bowens the star laughed off her advances, telling her that he was gay. This was followed by a monster “He’s gay!” chant in support of Bowens.
After the show aired, Bowens took to social media to thank fans for their support, especially as it came during Pride Month.
“If ya told me years ago, I’d have an arena chanting HE’S GAY at me in the most POSITIVE of ways, I’d say you’re crazy. It’s pretty cool to see how far we’ve come. Still more work to do. Happy Pride #AEWRampage”
If ya told me years ago, I’d have an arena chanting HE’S GAY at me in the most POSITIVE of ways, I’d say you’re crazy.
It’s pretty cool to see how far we’ve come. Still more work to do. Happy Pride #AEWRampagepic.twitter.com/CgBM8QJWWn
— Anthony Bowens (@Bowens_Official) June 24, 2023
Anthony Bowens Was Initially Wary About Coming Out
Speaking back in July 2022, Bowens admitted that the idea of coming out as gay while working in the wrestling industry “scared the hell out of him,” as there were so few openly gay wrestlers in the business.
During the same interview, Bowens revealed how and why his mindset changed, recounting the heartwarming moment where a couple’s games night and one Facebook status changed his life.