NXT Star's Coming Out Story Featured In People Magazine
Jake Atlas doesn't want to be known as 'the gay wrestler'.
WWE NXT Superstar Jake Atlas today announced on Twitter that his coming out story will be featured in People Magazine's Pride Issue 2020.
Atlas tweeted, 'I’m excited to share that my coming out story is featured in @people magazine’s ‘The Pride Issue 2020’ this week – out on newsstands today!'
Atlas noted in the feature that he came out to his mother when he was 15 years-old, stating that 'she cried because she was disappointed.' He then went on to add, 'Today I’m educating her and trying to understand her as well. That’s the important part about acceptance – understanding each other so we can find common ground and move forward.”'
The feature also references Atlas as the first openly gay male in pro wrestling, despite the likes of Pat Patterson and Darren Young both coming out before him.
The NXT talent also specified that he didn't want to be known as 'the gay wrestler' and followed up by saying, 'You’re not going to watch me because I’m gay.'
Atlas debuted on NXT in April after an appearance on Stephanie McMahon's episode of Undercover Boss. He also recently fought in the NXT Cruiserweight Title Tournament against the likes of Tony Nese, Drake Maverick and Kushida.