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WWE has officially signed its first out LGBTQ wrestler under the newly launched WWE ID recruitment initiative. Independent wrestler Aaron Rourke, known by his ring name Evil Gay, was announced as the latest signee during a special edition of Wrestling Open on IWTV, the independent pro wrestling streaming service. The signing marks a historic moment not only for Rourke but for WWE's commitment to diversity and inclusion in professional wrestling.
Rourke, who has built a reputation across the Northeast wrestling scene, received his WWE ID contract after a standout match against Rex Lawless, with ring announcer Rich Palladino presenting the offer. The moment was emotional for Rourke, who expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid, and I have to thank everyone who has gotten me here. To my doubters and the people who said this couldn’t be possible, thank you because your criticisms and your judgments made me the workhorse I am today. For anyone who has been told that their dreams are too big, let me be the example that you absolutely can," Rourke said in an emotional statement after receiving the contract.
A Rising Star in LGBTQ Wrestling
Aaron Rourke’s journey to WWE has been anything but easy, but his success in the independent wrestling circuit proves his dedication and resilience. The New England-based wrestler has become a familiar name in multiple promotions, capturing multiple championships in Chaotic Wrestling and Create-A-Pro Wrestling. Rourke has also made notable appearances in Limitless Wrestling, Beyond Wrestling, and even All Elite Wrestling (AEW), showcasing his talent and unique presence in the ring.
In addition to his wrestling career, Rourke has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ representation in the sport, making multiple appearances at EFFY’s Big Gay Brunch, an LGBTQ-friendly wrestling event, since 2022. His signing with WWE ID solidifies his place as one of the most exciting emerging LGBTQ talents in wrestling today.
“The world is about to meet their newest and brightest star, and his name is ‘Evil Gay’ Aaron Rourke,” Rourke boldly declared, signaling his determination to leave a lasting mark on the wrestling world.
WWE ID: A New Path for Independent Wrestlers
Launched on October 29, WWE ID is designed to support independent wrestlers in their developmental journey while they continue to compete in smaller promotions. The program offers wrestlers a unique opportunity for mentorship, financial support, and training, all while maintaining their independent status. WWE ID signees are not part of the main WWE or NXT rosters but remain under contract with WWE, with the company holding a right of first refusal if they receive contract offers from competing wrestling promotions like AEW, TNA Wrestling, or New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Rourke’s signing adds him to the growing list of nearly 20 independent wrestlers who have received WWE ID offers since the program’s inception. If he eventually signs a full-time contract with WWE, he will join a select group of out LGBTQ performers in the company’s history. Currently, only Jake Atlas and Quincy Elliott have achieved this milestone, with Elliott coming out as non-binary during their tenure in WWE.
