All the guys, gals and non-binary pals that tune into Major League Wrestling are about to get a fresh batch of LGBTQ representation. After ringing in the new year with the wackiest wrestling-based New Year’s Eve celebration live from his own apartment, out gay ring announcer Mark Adam Haggerty signed a multi-year contract to become MLW’s in-ring MC for years to come.
“I am proud to have Mark join our team and enrich the MLW experience,” said MLW CEO and founder Court Bauer in a press release Wednesday.
The signing comes after Haggerty impressed during MLW’s Opera Cup tournament in December.
“From the moment I was welcomed into the locker room to the second I signed that contract, every step of the way has proven to validate this journey I’ve been on for the past 3 years,” said Haggerty.
Haggerty joins MLW after a productive career as a ring announcer and commentator for more than 60 promotions across North America and the United Kingdom, including Battle Club Pro, Chikara and Uncanny Attractions. He also, along with referee Kris Levin, created and stars in the Locker Room Detectives comedy series on IWTV.
The move also makes Haggerty the first out gay ring announcer signed to a nationally-televised American promotion. That fact isn’t lost on Haggerty, who views the opportunity as one to further expand LGBTQ representation within pro wrestling.
“I get asked all the time why it’s important that a ring announcer is gay. Well on the surface, it’s not! My talents and abilities and presence should all speak for themselves, but on top of that is a word that keeps coming up time and again – ‘representation.’ Just the same as it’s important for an openly gay man to be running for president, it’s important that a whole world of LGBTQ pro wrestling fans see someone on their television every week who represents them. There are a handful of visible wrestlers out there already and I’m honored to be the first announcer. I grew up thinking there was no place for someone like me in this business and now I’m signed to one of the most watched companies in the world. If that’s not important on some level, at least in terms of inspiring others, then what is?”
Haggerty will provide that supportive image at MLW events going forward, including it’s weekly show, MLW: FUSION, every Saturday night at 9pm on beIN SPORTS.
