WWE star Gabbi Tuft, who was known in the ring under the name Tyler Reks, has come out as a transgender woman.
The big revelation was a part of Gabbi’s Thursday press release in which the 42-year-old lady opened up about her “thrilling story of gender transitioning” and the reasons behind her decision.
“Despite her successes during and after her WWE career, Gabbi was still wrestling with a secret persona dwelling deep within her. This is a persona she has been hiding in the loud silence of her soul since childhood,” the touching statement read.
“Finally, with the blessing of her loving wife Priscilla, Gabe is ready to reveal who she really is. Now known as she/her: A beautiful, wise, witty and wonderful woman.”
The press release went on to encourage people to listen to Gabbi’s full transition story on Extra TV on February 5.
“Gabbi is about to share her thrilling story of gender transitioning from a former WWE Superstar, Body Builder, Fitness Guru, Motivational Speaker and Motorcycle Racer to a fun loving and fabulous female. She has been finally set free and ready to rule her world,” the statement added.
Following the Thursday announcement, Gabbi confirmed the transition as she shared a new photo of herself posing next to an old framed photo from her wrestling days.
“This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me. This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do,” the 42-year-old wrote.
“I am no longer afraid and I am no longer fearful. I can now say with confidence, that I love myself for WHO I am. The previous eight months have been some of the darkest of my entire life. The emotional turmoil of being transgender and having to face the world has almost ended me on multiple occasions.
“However, the day I stopped caring about what other people thought, was the day I truly became limitless and allowed my authentic self to come into the light.”
Gabbi also went on to pay a tribute to her wife, family, and friends for supporting her decisions and staying by her side.
“To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know,” she added.
While she acknowledged that not everyone might agree with her transition, Gabbi told her fans that her soul remains the same despite her exterior changes.
She also promised to provide more details about her transition in an interview with Billy Bush on Extra TV as she vowed to “always be transparent and truthful with my journey, and to be a light to those that are in need.”
Congratulations on your transition, Gabbi!
Replaced!