In a move that has set off waves of controversy across the wrestling and entertainment world, former professional wrestler and television personality Tyrus — known to fans by his WWE persona Brodus Clay and later as “Tyrus” in TNA/Impact Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) — has announced he will not be participating in Pride Month celebrations this year.

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The announcement, delivered in a video posted to his social media channels, was accompanied by remarks that have drawn widespread criticism from fans, fellow wrestlers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Specifically, Tyrus declared that, in his view, “ ‘WOKE’ doesn’t deserve to be celebrated,” a statement many observers interpreted as a direct dismissal of LGBTQ+ pride and the broader cultural movement toward inclusivity.

A Divisive Declaration

In the short but pointed video, Tyrus begins by acknowledging the month of August, when many Pride events are scheduled around the world outside of the traditional June festivities. “Everyone wants me to jump on board and participate in Pride Month,” he said, “but I won’t. I don’t buy into the whole idea that being ‘woke’ is something that deserves recognition or celebration.” He continued with a cryptic remark: “This movie will never…” — though he trailed off without completing the thought. Viewers were left puzzled, speculating whether he was referring to a cultural “script” he refuses to follow, or perhaps to a project in entertainment that influenced his decision.

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Regardless of the unfinished statement, the underlying message was clear: Tyrus does not wish to align himself with Pride Month, and he views it as a symbol of what he calls “woke culture.”

Backlash from Fans and Colleagues

The response online was immediate and polarized. Thousands of wrestling fans took to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit to express frustration and disappointment. “I grew up watching Brodus Clay dance and entertain us. It’s heartbreaking to see him use his platform to dismiss a community that has always supported wrestling,” one user wrote. Another added: “Pride isn’t about being ‘woke.’ It’s about survival, acceptance, and visibility. He should know better.”

Fellow wrestlers and entertainers also weighed in. While some defended Tyrus’s right to express his opinion, others criticized him for disregarding the significance of Pride. A retired WWE performer noted, “The wrestling community is full of LGBTQ+ fans. They’ve been loyal to this industry for decades. Turning your back on them feels like a betrayal.”

Support from Conservative Audiences

At the same time, Tyrus received vocal support from certain conservative circles. Known for his outspoken commentary on Fox News programs and his association with right-leaning media, Tyrus has cultivated a fanbase that applauds his defiance of what they see as “political correctness.” For these supporters, his rejection of Pride Month was framed not as an attack on LGBTQ+ people, but as a stand against cultural conformity.

“This is why I respect Tyrus,” one commenter posted on Facebook. “He’s not afraid to say what many of us are thinking — that Pride has been hijacked by politics and forced down our throats.”

The Larger Cultural Battle

The controversy surrounding Tyrus’s remarks reflects a broader cultural divide in the United States and beyond. Pride Month has grown over the past few decades from a grassroots movement honoring the Stonewall riots to a global celebration of LGBTQ+ identity. Alongside parades, concerts, and advocacy campaigns, corporations, sports leagues, and entertainers have increasingly embraced Pride as a sign of solidarity.

Yet in recent years, a backlash has emerged from figures who argue that Pride and other forms of cultural recognition amount to performative politics. Critics often use the term “woke” to describe initiatives they perceive as overly progressive, identity-driven, or disconnected from traditional values.

Tyrus’s stance situates him firmly within this cultural debate. While his wrestling career once made him a fan-favorite for his charisma and entertainment value, his current persona as a media commentator has positioned him as a polarizing figure unafraid of political confrontation.

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Uncertain Impact on His Legacy

The long-term effects of Tyrus’s comments on his professional reputation remain uncertain. For some fans, his refusal to participate in Pride will forever tarnish their view of him as a performer. For others, it solidifies his reputation as a straight-talking outsider unafraid of mainstream expectations.

Industry experts suggest that this controversy could impact future opportunities for Tyrus in entertainment and wrestling promotions that rely heavily on diverse fan bases. On the other hand, his visibility in conservative media may shield him from reputational harm and even increase his influence within that niche audience.

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Conclusion

Tyrus’s announcement has sparked a fiery discussion that goes beyond professional wrestling, touching on deeper societal conflicts over inclusivity, identity, and free expression. Whether seen as a principled stand against “woke culture” or as a harmful rejection of a marginalized community, his words have once again shown how intertwined sports, entertainment, and politics have become.

As fans continue to debate, one thing is clear: Tyrus has ensured his name will remain at the center of controversy, a position he has seemingly embraced.