Golden Lovers Hope Their Characters Help LGBT Viewers Connect With Wrestling
Until recently, the subject of LGBT wasn't often broached in pro wrestling as a serious or equal matter. Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi are looking to change that.
The duo, known as the Golden Lovers, recently reunited after a storied partnership turned rivalry that has taken New Japan Pro Wrestling by storm. Ibushi and Omega will team up this weekend's NJPW Strong Style Evolved against "frienemies" the Young Bucks. As it pertains to the ambiguity of their personal relationship, Omega seems to think he's all for it, as long as it helps more people to connect with them as characters.
“Let people think what they want to think,” Omega told Yahoo Sports this week. “If LGBT people can identify with our story, if they think ‘the Golden Lovers are my team,’ I’m good with that. It’s the story of two wrestlers who shared dreams on their way up, who became fast friends, who are now reuniting at the top of their game.”
The Ibushi and Omega characters, while not explicitly mentioning their sexuality, have implied a relationship throughout their run.
Fightful.com will have full, live coverage of New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong Style Evolved on Sunday, March 25, including a live, post-show podcast following the event.
