In January, AC Mack made history when he defeated Alex Shelley in the IWTV Independent Wrestling World Championship and became the first openly gay pro-wrestler to win a championship. As a result, there's a lot resting on his shoulders. However, it's a task he's more than ready for, as he tells us here.
How did it feel to become the first out pro wrestler to win a championship?
It was overwhelming in the best way possible. It was great to be able to do that, but I was so worried about pleasing everybody and making sure everything was up to par. I just wanted to represent not only the gay community but African-Americans and southerners as a whole. I was freaking out. I was making history. You can't take that away. When I won the Scenic City tournament, in August 2021, I grabbed the mic and said, "This is my time now. I don't know what else I need to do to prove to you that I'm the number-one contender and I should be having that title shot." It took a minute, but I like that it was a long journey.
You called your new belt Iris. Where do you keep it?
I name all my championship belts. I try to stick with the first letter of the promotion name. It's the IWTV, so I chose Iris. [Picks Iris up.] I keep her with me at all times. I have a little case for her when I'm not using her. But whenever I go out to a show, whether I'm on the show or not, I have her in the car - just in case!
When did you first get interested in wrestling?
この記事は Attitude の May/June 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Attitude の May/June 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
SUPER TROUPERS
Happily married couple Mark Gatiss and lan Hallard have collaborated on a play inspired by lan's devotion to ABBA. Now beginning its UK tour, The Way Old Friends Do is not about the Swedish superstars, but two mates performing as ABBA in drag. We interviewed the pair to find out more...
Welcome to MIAMI
We explore the queer and vibrant streets of Miami Beach before getting a feel for Wynwood, Miami's trendy up-and-coming neighbourhood
Work of ART
Michael F. Rumsby always aspired to be an artist. After a very successful career in PR, he's now following his passion full time, as he shares here
Right MOVES
Meet a fashion icon who can do it all. Sakeema Peng Crook is an international model, content creator, dancer and activist whose mantra is embodying positive change
Getting SERIOUS
Not content with making the nation laugh, comedian turned campaigner Joe Lycett has taken to speaking out on the issues of the day - from David Beckham becoming the face of antigay Qatar in the World Cup to the UK government's immigration policy. We loved him before but now we love him even more...
Transforming LIVES
In 2020, Dani St James founded Not A Phase, a charity that wants to make a difference for trans and gender-diverse adults. Here, she tells us more
A breath of FRESH AIR
From encouraging cycling to implementing Ultra-Low Emission Oliver Lord has made London's controversial Zone, eco campaigner great strides towards cutting pollution
Freer THAN EVER
Actor Adam Ali on bringing their \"queer Arab magic\" to film and TV, including Waterloo Road, coming out, and how they hope to inspire and influence positive change through representation
Aqua MAN
As one of the few publicly gay professional swimmers, Team GB's Daniel Jervis discusses coming out, the highs and lows of 2022 and what's up next
Baptism OF FIRE
Here, globetrotting guru and founder of LGBTQ+ travel website Every Queer, Meg Ten Eyck writes about her recent trip to Burning Man
