Lay'lah James is an independent wrestler not only out to make a name for herself, but educate the fans along the way about the trans community. Lay'lah is transgender and we discuss what was like growing up the wrong sex and the struggles she faced not only growing up, but the struggles she's faced in professional wrestling.

In 2022, Oklahoma signed a bill banning trans athletes from competing against same sex (transgender woman in women sports) and this included pro-wrestling. Lay'lah shares her thoughts on the Oklahoma State Athletic Commissions decision. Lay'lah is transgender and we discuss what was like growing up the wrong sex and the struggles she faced not only growing up, but the struggles she's faced in professional wrestling.

Lay'lah expresses that the wrestling community has been very open, and very accepting of her (with a few exceptions). She has goals within the wrestling community including dream matches with top wrestling superstars!

Laylah james interview

00:00 Intro

00:49 Coming up in wrestling being trans

02:25 Coming out as transgender

03:25 How she felt about herself as a male

04:00 Changing at school

04:20 Bullying

05:40 Finding resources on trans community

07:00 Advice to those struggling

09:10 Oklahoma Bill "Save Women's Sports" thoughts

10:45 Inter-gender matches in wrestling history

11:45 Oklahoma Bill and its effects on Nyla Rose

16:00 Any reluctant telling promoters she's trans

17:10 Promoter having issue with her being trans

18:50 Podcasters cancelling

20:25 People afraid of backlash

22:15 When she became a fan of pro wrestling

22:59 Wrestling inter-gender matches and backlash

24:30 Not having any women to train with or wrestle at school

24:50 Oklahoma Banning matches, what about training?

26:25 If you're banning trans what happens when they wrestle men

27:00 Thoughts on people wanting all trans sports

27:50 Transgender Boxing League?

29:15 Rick Steiner - Gisele Shaw WrestleCon

32:46 Who does Lay'lah James look up to

35:30 Comments on the Nyla Rose post from non-wrestling fans

36:50 How Lay'lah wants trans people represented in wrestling

38:00 Shoutout to Taylor One Shot creating a transgender belt

42:45 Thankful for acceptance in wrestling

44:10 Going to certain places also having an issue with race

45:00 Wrestlers she wants to work with in the future

45:25 Shares story almost wrestling Nyla Rose

Resources

https://transequality.org/

https://www.hrc.org/resources/be-an-a...

https://gate.ngo/our-work/

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In this episode, we dive deep into the epic showdown between Nyla Rose and the transphobic elements within the wrestling community.

Nyla Rose is a transgender female wrestling who is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling. On December 20th, 2023 Nyla Rose wrestled another female competitor one-on-one on ring Of Honor: Honor Club episode 44. In Oklahoma, a bill was passed in 2022 that transgender athletes cannot face the same sex (transgender female facing cis -females).

The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission will no longer allow Nyla Rose to say cis-women in AEW. On our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerchedOnTheTopRope/

we made post regrading this... and the comments, really shows how transphobic some fans of wrestling can act.

In this video, we read those comments. Like AEW says, "Wrestling is for everyone!"

Like, share, and subscribe for more content that champions diversity and challenges stigmas in wrestling and beyond!

If you or anyone you know who is in the LBGTQ+ community and struggling, please reach out to The Trevor Project. www.thetrevorproject.org/

#NylaRose #WrestlingCommunity #TransRights #Inclusion #Wrestling #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #wrestlingnews

Ahead of the upcoming AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 12th in Tacoma, Washington, Khan took questions from the media call concerning the upcoming show, the new media rights deal and the future of the promotion.

• When asked about a possible roster split, Khan said it’s an interesting thought and he is still working on some interesting things in terms of the future. He added that it is early to speculate given the new deal but it is an interesting thought.

• When asked if he has equity in AEW and the Sports Business Journal mentioning the possible stake in an article, Tony Khan said he will not get into the ownership structure but does have 100% of the voting structure and holds the vast majority of shares. Khan also confirmed is the controlling owner.

• Asked about Bryan Danielson and what it is like to work with him and his status, Khan said that one of the highlights of his life has been working with Danielson and watching him win the title at All In. Khan added Danielson has been instrumental in AEW and the story and rivalry with Jon Moxley encompasses all of AEW. Khan doesn’t want to see Danielson’s full-time run come to an end, much like many of the fans.

• In regards to the negotiation process with Daniel Garcia re-signing with AEW, Khan said that he understood why Garcia wanted to take time with a decision of this magnitude. He added it’s a great beacon to the sport that he is someone that a lot of people want to work with and have spent time mentoring. He believes Garcia is a homegrown star and wanted to put him in a prominent spot. Khan outlined the connection Garcia has with the fans and how they have been believing in him more and more, especially coming out of the Continental Classic. Khan was thrilled to extend Garcia’s contract for years to come and very excited about it.

• In regards to the thinking behind the trades of Rush and Lance Archer, Khan said that there have been trades in wrestling in the past but he hasn’t seen it since he was a kid. He noted previous trades in sports and how it can change the scenery, adding that Jake Roberts and Don Callis are great managers. Khan also mentioned that a new coach will help Lance Archer and Rush with their new managers.

• When asked about a possible ROH deal and there being no updates, Khan said while ROH is not part of the deal it is important for the company as a whole and more media rights are set to be determined.

• Asked about more details on the PPV model beginning in 2025 and the Max model, khan stated that he is still finalising details before more details are rolled out. Khan added that live viewers matching wrestling on Max will be huge both live and with the back catalogue and that they have taken a lot of pride in AEW PPVs this year and Max took notice.

• Asked about the rise of women’s wrestling in AEW and ROH, Khan said it is at a real high point and he enjoys working on it. Khan also praiseed the quality of the rosters getting better and better, noting that Mariah May and Toni Storm’s storyline has been a highlight this year. Khan mentioned Baker’s absence and how he had to be in his office until 4 am to make changes to Dynamite and the card while also saying that Baker is a great star for AEW. Khan also highlighted the singing of Mercedes Mone.

• Khan spoke about the victims of Hurricane Helene and that last night’s Dynamite was about promoting hurricane relief as well as the PPV. Khan also added that Adam Copeland has been working directly with FEMA workers in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene’s impact on the area.

• Closing out the call, Khan mentioned the legacy of Antonio Inoki and what the show means to him.

#AEW #AEWNews #AEWWrestleDream #WrestleDream #WrestlingCommunity