Twinks gay wrestling

Growing up, a passion ignited within me. Every Friday evening, devoid of a social life, my eleven-year-old self would settle before the television with my dad to observe WWF (now WWE) Raw is War. This represented the pinnacle of youthful virility. Undeniably, all the tough guys in school religiously viewed it, then returned Monday morning to dominate the rest of us with their tales of wrestling prowess. In a pre-social media era, when dial-up internet was the cutting-edge technology, our weekly dose of male combat, along with the clandestine ten minutes of Channel Babestation that followed parental departures, fuelled our notions of masculinity.

Truly experiencing the aura of the manly crowd occurred only at live events. Overcrowded with sweating middle-aged men and their children, clamoring for action and spectacle, these shows transported you into the mob's fervour. The crowd united in cheering champions, condemning antagonists, and mocking any effeminate characters who diverged from the norm. Within this domain, it wasn't unusual for my eleven-year-old self to raise a sign proclaiming "WE WANT PUPPIES" and wolf-whistle at Debra. The prevailing atmosphere was hyper-masculine. Long before Miley Cyrus' sledgehammer-licking antics, HHH wielded them to shatter bones.

Looking back, however, the entire spectacle seems incredibly queer! My contemporary self struggles to reconcile how watching muscular men grapple and grapple, sweating profusely in a sweaty mess, could have confirmed a generation's notion of masculinity. With the advantage of hindsight, the exaggerated theatrics, postures, and ego displays of the performers, combined with the smooth commentary of J.R. and The King, furnish rich material for multiple doctoral studies into 1990s American masculinity's complexities and contradictions. That, however, is a different essay.

While wrestling undoubtedly did not cause my shift in sexual preference, consider ten possible reasons why it may have steered my path in that direction:

1. Exuberant yet Masculine Attire

The wrestling world's sartorial diversity was unmatched. Despite their obvious intent to manipulate audiences through racial bias, every wrestler and their wardrobe offered something for everyone, along with many notable fashion mishaps. Ric Flair, the Nature Boy, stood out as the ultimate fashion offender.

If the phrase "Hiding in Plain Sight" were not so inextricably tied to the Jimmy Savile scandal, Ric Flair's character would perfectly embody it. Every generation has such a flamboyantly effeminate yet captivating figure, whether Liberace or Elton John, who effortlessly captivates women with a touch of queerness while remaining largely undetected. The "dirtiest player in the game," Ric Flair, somehow managed to appear in extravagant costumes, navigating the roster with an audacity that went unnoticed. He is a true inspiration to all sequin-wearing, ball-grabbing, masculine individuals. Wooooooooooooooo!

2. Egos and Leather and Ego-clashes

Unbridled ego always captivated crowds. Whether loved or loathed, wrestlers often projected intense confidence, astounding even the most hardened onlookers. Mr. Perfect, The Rock, and Chris Jericho, among countless others, perfected the art of arrogant masculinity. However, Shawn Michaels, the king of ego, carved a career built on leather, sequins, and the captivating tune "Sexy Boy." As an avowed Christian, he has never been shy about his struggles; he simply forgets to mention that one of these was an early member of the Village People.

3. Making an Entrance

Wrestlers profoundly understood the art of entrance, a skill undoubtedly resonating with many as they approach a night out. The equivalent of ringside seats in the modern gay world is observing from the club cloakroom. Whether quick and striking, mysterious and dark, or fiery and explosive, the wrestler's entrance reflected their personality and the intimidation tactics they employed against their opponents. While I typically walk to work with an understated, serious demeanor, secretly I'm channeled Goldust.

4. Napoleon Complex Wrestlers

Standing at 5'7", I've always found myself cheering for the smaller, determined competitors. Rey Mysterio, in particular, exemplified the belief that resilience and unique approaches can overcome any obstacle. I, however, haven't fully embraced this viewpoint, but I won't rule out a vigilante-style campaign in the future.

5. Bear-on-twink Confrontations

Professional wrestling, with its masculine displays, resonated with particular elements of the queer community. The compelling David and Goliath matchups between attractive and spirited young wrestlers and powerful, established opponents created captivating encounters. The diverse body types presented created desires and passions across many tastes and styles. Ready for four-way, barbed wire, bear-on-twink confrontations? Tables, ladders, chairs? Steel cages? WWE had it all. This clash between Mark Henry and Jeff Hardy exemplifies this.

6. Creating Your Own Wrestler

Video games provided a space for young, impressionable, and often repressed gay individuals to shape their perfect masculine ideal. The "Create a Superstar" function allowed players to customize their wrestlers, from muscular builds and hairstyles to outfits and moves. My creations often resembled 50 shades of Jeff Hardy, but adjusting height, weight, and appearance offered freedom in creating ideals.

7. Chyna

Chyna, a true legend, entered my life like a force of nature. My perceptions of femininity and strength were forever altered.

A true legend in the ring, surpassing expectations as the first female wrestler in the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring, she served as a potent image of strength and determination during my formative years. Her existence solidified a fundamental life lesson: to never break a woman's heart, lest she break your face.

8. The return of Mae Young

From one female legend to another, Mae Young's enduring career played a significant role in my coming to terms with my sexuality. Refusing to embrace age, the superstar returned to the WWE in 1999, building on a prior successful career in the 1950s and 1960s. The 76-year-old Mae Young's participation in a bikini contest at the 2000 Royal Rumble exposed me to a new perspective.

Her disregard for convention inspired awe and respect, along with the realization that I was indeed open to men.

9. Straight Up Your Candy Ass

The Rock's catchphrases are legendary. His "shining things up" and "sticking it straight up his opponent's candy ass" exemplify a unique style.

Wrestling's use of such phrases reinforced a unique understanding of masculinity. Ass, Mr. Ass, the Fameasser, Vince McMahon's Kiss My Ass club, Rikishi's ass, and countless references to "kicking that sonbitch's ass" became central motifs in wrestling's presentation of masculinity. A bizarre power dynamic.

10. Inappropriate T-shirts worn by kids

My journeys to wrestling events in Birmingham and beyond often involved travelling with a crowd of middle-aged men and their children. The prevalent presence of DX t-shirts, with their message "SUCK IT," was deeply imprinted on my memory. I was among these young and unaware.

My brother's Carlito's Spit or Swallow shirt a few years later was certainly the pinnacle of questionable imagery. Subliminal marketing dominated our environment.

11. Homoerotic Wrestling Moves

Ultimately, the wrestling moves themselves, involving placing an opponent's head between one's legs, offer ample room for interpretation. The wrestling moves, with their homoerotic undercurrents, were undeniably fascinating.

Many wrestling moves have names with multiple meanings. They could be interpreted as sexually suggestive or as complex, technical maneuvers. Examples include: the Piledriver, Sharpshooter, Figure Four Leglock, Camel Clutch, Rock Bottom, Jack Hammer, Powerbomb, Belly to Belly Suplex, Rear Naked Choke, Shooting Star Press, Stunner, Power Slam, Swanton Bomb, Money Shot, and Bronco Buster. The physical displays, replete with intensity, ego, and the desire to win, presented a contrasting interpretation of masculinity.