Nyla Rose Discusses Diversity In AEW, Wanting Fans To Enjoy The Ride
Nyla Rose is one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in AEW as a former AEW Women’s Champion and a staple on AEW television since the start of the company.
As a transgender black native American female, Nyla represents many communities and has been breaking down barriers that has sometimes been met with criticism as fans want more diversity and women’s wrestling in AEW.
Appearing on Grapsody with Will Washington, Righteous Reg, and Phil Lindsey, Rose says she doesn’t worry about fans not recognizing how she’s currently breaking down barriers while they focus their energy elsewhere.
“I’m not going to obsess over that. When people look back and decide I’m finally black enough…oops, did I say that? The flowers will come. For right now, we’re going to keep doing the work, I’m gonna live forever,” she said.
Asked if fans pointing out the lack of diversity in AEW is upsetting given her positioning and representation, Rose replied, “It hurts a little bit, and it’s a sad thing to say, but I’m kind of used to it. Growing up, let’s put it out there, I was too white for the black kids and too black for the white kids. It’s a sad state. I do hope…you do see a little bit of the shift and I hope we continue that shift and continue to diminish that way of thinking. I’m lightly melanated, but I’m hella black and I’m proud. A lot of it is excitement, in a way, because we see that shift happening. It’s excitement coupled with that microwave site. We see that shift, ‘Oh, it’s happening, let’s go,’ and baby, it takes time. Chill. We’re getting there. Look at where we are, look at where we were. Use your brain, think about where we’re going to be. I get the excitement and people get hype over it, but just chill and enjoy the ride.”
Tony Khan has spoken about steps he’s taken to make the AEW roster more diverse, which has included signing the likes of AQA, Keith Lee, Swerve Strickland, and more.
Rose is set to headline AEW Battle of the Belts 2 on Saturday when she challenges Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women’s Championship.
