Best LGBTQ+ WWE Wrestlers of All Time

WWE has featured trailblazing LGBTQ+ performers whose visibility and accomplishments changed the industry and opened doors for the next generation. From first time champions to groundbreaking announcements on screen and off, these wrestlers helped push representation forward while delivering memorable matches and moments. Many competed across NXT, the main roster, and even earlier territories, building resumes that include tournament wins, historic title reigns, and influential backstage roles. Here are some of the most impactful names and what they achieved inside WWE rings.

Pat Patterson

Pat Patterson became the first Intercontinental Champion in 1979 and helped establish that title as a workhorse cornerstone for decades. He later served as a trusted creative mind and agent, shaping Royal Rumble formats and mentoring talent. Patterson publicly spoke about being gay during the WWE Network series ‘Legends’ House, bringing long whispered truth into the open for a worldwide audience. His combined in ring legacy and behind the scenes influence made him a foundational figure for LGBTQ+ visibility in pro wrestling.

Darren Young

Darren Young came out publicly in 2013 while an active WWE Superstar, making history as the first male performer on the roster to do so. He formed The Prime Time Players with Titus O’Neil and captured the WWE Tag Team Championship in 2015. Young appeared in community initiatives and media interviews that centered on inclusion and acceptance. His tenure demonstrated that an openly gay athlete could compete and succeed on the main stage without hiding who he is.

Sonya Deville

Sonya Deville introduced herself on ‘WWE Tough Enough’ and was open about being a lesbian from the start of her television journey. She became the first openly lesbian woman to compete on the WWE roster and later served as an on screen official. Deville won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship in 2023 with Chelsea Green before suffering a significant knee injury that paused her reign. Her presence in prominent stories and leadership roles expanded everyday representation on WWE programming.

Shayna Baszler

Shayna Baszler brought an MMA pedigree to NXT and became a two time NXT Women’s Champion with lengthy, dominant reigns. On the main roster she held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with multiple partners, including Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey. Baszler has been open about her LGBTQ+ identity while focusing on competitive excellence. Her big fight presentation, submission heavy style, and sustained success made her a standard bearer for toughness and authenticity.

Tegan Nox

Tegan Nox shared her relationship publicly in 2020 and received widespread support from fans and peers. She battled back from multiple knee injuries in NXT and returned to compete on both SmackDown and Raw. Nox participated in high profile tournaments and tag team programs that highlighted her athleticism and resilience. Her openness about identity and mental health has made her a relatable figure for many viewers.

Mercedes Martinez

Mercedes Martinez entered WWE through the Mae Young Classic and advanced deep in both the 2017 and 2018 tournaments. She later joined NXT full time, appearing in marquee matches and special events. Martinez is openly lesbian and has spoken about representation while balancing a veteran presence with in ring performance. Her path through independent circuits into WWE showed a clear pipeline for experienced LGBTQ+ talents to reach a global platform.

Jake Atlas

Jake Atlas signed with WWE in 2019 following a well regarded independent run and competed primarily in NXT. He worked in the cruiserweight division and featured on weekly television, demonstrating an agile and modern style. Atlas is openly gay and has used his platform to advocate for mental health and inclusion. His journey spotlighted the importance of support systems for LGBTQ+ athletes in high pressure environments.

Chris Kanyon

Chris Kanyon wrestled in WWE during the early 2000s after a decorated stint in WCW that included World Tag Team Championship runs. He came out publicly after leaving WWE and became one of the most discussed LGBTQ+ figures in wrestling history. Kanyon’s innovative offense and willingness to talk candidly about his experiences kept his story in the conversation long after his final match. His life and career continue to be referenced in discussions about support and acceptance for LGBTQ+ performers.

Orlando Jordan

Orlando Jordan held the United States Championship in 2005 during a run aligned with JBL on SmackDown. He later spoke openly about being bisexual, adding another visible identity to the list of former WWE stars. Jordan’s time in WWE included title feuds and frequent television exposure that built his profile. His public discussions after leaving the company contributed to broader awareness of bisexual representation in wrestling.

Gabbi Tuft

Gabbi Tuft wrestled in WWE as Tyler Reks from 2008 to 2012, working across ECW, SmackDown, and pay per view events. She publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2021 and has since used her platform to share health and transition updates. Tuft’s WWE tenure included developmental success and regular main roster appearances that made her a familiar face to fans. Her journey brought visibility to transgender athletes who love pro wrestling and its community.

Piper Niven

Piper Niven, formerly known as Doudrop, made her name in NXT UK before moving to Raw and SmackDown. She became WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion in 2023 alongside Chelsea Green and defended on multiple shows. Niven has spoken openly about her marriage and has been embraced as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Her powerhouse style and longevity across brands established her as a dependable presence in title pictures.

Toni Storm

Toni Storm won the 2018 Mae Young Classic and later captured the NXT UK Women’s Championship. She came out as bisexual in 2021 during her time with WWE. Storm’s WWE run featured premium live event appearances and feuds that showcased her striking and suplex based offense. Her success in tournaments and title scenes provided another visible example of LGBTQ+ excellence inside the company.

Shotzi

Shotzi brought a distinctive presentation to NXT with tank entrances and high risk offense and later joined the main roster. She is openly bisexual and has continued to highlight individuality through gear, promos, and community outreach. In NXT she held the Women’s Tag Team Championship with Ember Moon and featured in multi woman showcases. Her style and look resonated with younger viewers who value authenticity and self expression.

Share your favorites and any names you think deserve a shoutout in the comments.