The ranks of LGBTQ pro wrestling grew today as former WWE wrestler Gabbi Tuft came out as trans.
“Despite her successes during and after her WWE career, Gabbi was still wrestling with a secret persona dwelling deep within. This is a persona hiding in the loud silence of their soul since childhood,” Tuft’s publicist said in a statement. “Gabbi is ready to reveal who she really is: A beautiful, wise, witty and wonderful woman.”
Tuft, who wrestled for WWE under the name Tyler Reks between 2008-2012, unveiled her truth after a lengthy countdown of Instagram posts hinting at the announcement. The posts included pictures with her wife Priscilla, her daughter and images of close friends expressing that their support helped Tuft’s confidence to transition.
“I owe my life and my ability to freely be my authentic self to a small handful of people,” Tuft said via Instagram. “We stand by each other’s side, fully supporting, without judgment, without opinion,” Tuft wrote in another Instagram post featuring her and her wife Priscilla.
Tuft also announced that she will appear on Extra on Friday, Feb. 5, to share her story for the first time.
Outsports congratulates Gabbi Tuft for her courage in being true to herself.
This article was updated after Tuft’s publicist revised the language of the original press release at Outsports’ suggestion.
