COMING OUT ON TOP

The first openly gay pro-wrestler to win a championship, AC Mack talks about his success, coming out and fighting against racism and homophobia

- Alastair James

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?