Former WWE wrestler Tyler Reks, who was born Gabe Tufts, came out as a male-to-female trans this week, saying, “This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me.”
Tufts, who now goes by the name Gabbi Tufts, shared a photo on Instagram, along with the caption: “The ball dropped early today as this is now worldwide news. This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me. This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do.”
The reaction was mostly positive on Instagram. But some wrestling fans expressed shock at the once muscular wrestling star’s new look.
“What the f*ck,” wrote one stunned fan.
Another follower wrote: “You gained a new fan today. Be YOU. You are loved. We are here to lift you up. I’m so happy you are embracing your true self. I hope you continue to find peace now that this weight and darkness is lifted.”
Tufts wrestled professionally from the late 2000s to the early 2010s. His signature move was known as the “Burning Hammer.”
