Anthony Bowens has revealed his ultimate goal in wrestling.
The Acclaimed member is openly gay and is currently one-third of the Trios Champions alongside Max Caster and Billy Gunn. However, Bowens does have aspirations for a solo run in the future.
Speaking with Out Magazine, Bowens revealed that he wants to challenge for the World Title and make history:
“As much as I hope The Acclaimed, the tag team I’m a part of, stays forever, I would love to become AEW’s first gay World Champion. I got the Tag Team titles checked off the list, but there hasn’t been a gay World Champion. I would also like to be a Grand Slam champion, too, which is where you win every title once,”
Thankfully, LGBTQ wrestlers are represented better on TV today whereas in the past, homosexuality was often used as a form of insult. Bowens discussed how the industry has evolved and credits Tony Khan for giving LGBTQ wrestlers freedom of expression within the promotion:
“Thankfully we don’t have to exist anymore being stereotypes or being the fodder in the story. We’re presented as credible athletes and champions like myself or [Nyla Rose]. Wrestling has come a long way with the presentation of queer athletes, which is why I’m particularly happy I’m signed to [All Elite Wrestling]. Tony Khan and the company allow us to be us and whatever that may be, whether it’s Sonny Kiss, who is genderfluid, or Nyla Rose, or myself who now has straight people scissoring each other (laughs).
I don’t ever have to worry about upper management trying to change me or direct me to be a certain way. Hopefully, wrestling continues to move in that direction. The independent circuit is doing great because now, there are so many LGBTQ+ wrestlers. It’s come a very long way and I’m excited to see where it continues to go.”
Anthony Bowens Pleased With AEW All Out
Accompanied by Dennis Rodman, The Trios Champions successfully defended their titles on the All Out pre-show against Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh. After the show, Bowens would take to social media to hit back at those who criticised the event before it was even broadcast.