This Pro Wrestler Just Made History by Incorporating LGBTQ Fans Into His Wrestlemania 34 Entrance
Considering American pro-wrestling’s disappointing and problematic history of mishandling its gay and bi characters, it’s nice to hear that Sunday night at Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans — the annual pay-per-view blowout run by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) — Irish wrestler Finn Bálor entered the main arena with members of the local LGBTQ community.
This Finn Bálor LGBTQ entourage wore his rainbow-colored T-shirts, the profits of which partially go to Gays and Lesbians Allied Against Defamation.
When the wrestler made his grand entrance at Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans in April 2018, he was joined by several LGBT people from the area. Thank you. And he didn’t turn around and mock or bodyslam any members of the entourage, either — progress!
The Wrestlemania announcers mentioned the 36-year-old wrestler’s entourage, stating, “Finn, spreading his message of inclusion: The Bálor club is for everyone.
The next day, Devitt proposed to Rodrguez.
.
As a proud lifelong WWE fan who identifies as gay. His parents are Leonie and Fintan Devitt. Being flanked by the LGBTQ community from New Orleans — it is Bálor club.”It’s also progress that WWE itself tweeted the above image of Bálor and his crew in a tweet that didn’t mention the LGBTQ community but still captured the attention of pro- and anti-LGBTQ fans alike.
Here’s a video of the Finn Bálor LGBTQ entourage at Wrestlemania 34:
In an Instagram post (below) Bálor made before his Wrestlemania 34 appearance, he wrote, “For real.
#BalorClubforEveryone.”
Bálor also wore a leather jacket, wrestling trunks and boots bearing rainbow colors as well. Because NJPW is partnered with Mexican wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Devitt also wrestled there and won the NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship there.
He also wrestled for a number of independent promotions, winning the ICW Zero-G Championship twice, the RPW British Cruiserweight Championship and the NWA British Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship.
Early years and education
Fergal Devitt was born in Bray, County Wicklow, on July 25, 1981.
However, he didn’t stop there. But he speaks out for gay rights. As a child, he enjoyed watching and being a fan of World of Sport and WWF (now WWE) programs The British BulldogsShawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect, Rick RudeSavion Vega and Koko B. Ware among others.
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Is Finn Balor gay?
No, Finn Balor is not gay and his sexual orientation is straight.
pic.twitter.com/eDD7IgfZVf
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) April 8, 2018The Irish athlete's entrance into the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans and inclusive attitude has been praised by lifelong fans of the WWE.
Imagine all the people living life in peace...????❤️
— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) April 9, 2018
BálorClub fOreVERyone pic.twitter.com/poJjUhZEfp
You are one awesome human being Finn.
He went to school in Bray at St. Cronan’s School.
He played association football and Gaelic football before deciding to become a professional wrestler. #wrestlemania#wwe#finnbalor#lgbtpic.twitter.com/kMy8r6Z5Db
— P.J. Guinto (@theyellowstereo) April 8, 2018
The Irish wrestler (real name Fergal Devitt) also debuted his “For Everyone” T-shirts, which feature his triangular Balor Club logo in the rainbow flag colors.
The 36-year-old first revealed the re-worked logo earlier this year, announcing that "Balor Club is for everyone".
History will reflect @FinnBalor's entrance at #WrestleMania as one of the most important moments in sports entertainment as it should.
— G.O.A.T.cast Wrestling Podcast (@Goatcastpod) April 10, 2018
"Everyone deserves to be accepted and included," the Bray native added.
A portion of the t-shirts will go to benefit GLAAD - an organization which campaigns for LGBTQ acceptance.
The #BalorClub is out and about for @FinnBalor, as the #ICTitle#TripleThreat match is about to kick off #WrestleMania on @WWENetwork!
That entrance was a Mania moment ill treasure for a long time. He also changed his signature triangle logo so that it has all the colors of the rainbow.
That’s what the Irishman said after the game SMOOTH will get a portion of the money from the sale of his merchandise. That entrance was a Mania moment ill treasure for a long time. As a proud lifelong WWE fan who identifies as gay.
He is also a member of The Judgment Day.
Devitt is best known for his time as Prince Devitt on New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He was also one of the people who started the Bullet Club stable and was its first leader.