Nyla Rose Talks About Transphobic Sign At AEW Event And Representing Different Communities

Nyla Rose battled Ruby Soho on the December 22 episode of AEW Dynamite and while fans may have remembered Soho’s victory in AEW TBS Title tournament, there are also memories of a transphobic sign in the crowd. 

Rose spotted the sign and flipped off the ticket holder, who was escorted out of the building. 

Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated commented on the sign and the lack of respect from the person holding it.

“For the most part, people understood why that sign was wrong,” Rose said. “Maybe that person didn’t quite understand the gravity of what they were doing. You want to boo, that’s cool. But there is a line. People might feel it’s a conflict of their beliefs by simply respecting someone else, but it’s not. You don’t have to understand or even agree with somebody’s situation to show them simple respect and kindness, like respecting their pronouns and respecting their way of life. I’d love for people to be cool with it, but if that’s not your thing, it’s not your thing. But shouldn’t people want to treat their fellow humans with a little respect and kindness?”

As a Native American and Black binary trans woman, Rose represents many communities when she appears on television. The gravity of all she represents is not lost on her. 

“People from so many different walks of life have connected with me, and I think that’s wild,” Rose said. “I grew up a wrestling fan, and I found inspiration in my life from the things the wrestlers did. I’m going out there thinking I’m just performing and putting on a show, but people have told me I’m a beacon for them. Black families have said they see me as someone who is so strong. As a Native person, I’ve heard from families that tell me it makes them so proud of their heritage, that they’ve broken down in joy when they see themselves reflected in the Iroquois flag. The LGBTQ community has such a prominent figure [in Nyla Rose], and I understand the importance of that. We’re not made to be a punchline; we are not here to be a joke. This character isn’t going to be a pushover. It’s meant a lot to a lot of people, and it’s taking me time to process that.”

Rose is set to get her rematch against Soho on the February 2 episode of AEW Dynamite. You can view the current lineup for the show by clicking here. 

Fightful will have live coverage of AEW Dynamite beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.