Gisele Shaw announced Friday she is transgender.
The Impact wrestling star made the announcement at a Pride Toronto event in Canada.
“There is really no perfect time to be coming out. It’s my journey. Now just felt right for me.”
Shaw, who transitioned 12 years ago, said she knew she was a woman when she was six years old. She went on to note there is a deeper meaning behind her announcement:
“Sports is great, I would want everyone to be included. People are getting away from, that trans people are discriminated against, that trans people are the targets of violence. That’s why I want to come out now, to help people hear about these things, that are so much more important than what they’re talking about on sports.”
Shaw, whose real name is Gisele Mayordo, broke into the wrestling business in 2015. She also wrestled under the name Azteca in WOW Women of Wrestling in 2019.
Shaw is among the highest-profile figures in wrestling to announce they are transgender, joining AEW’s Nyla Rose, who became the second-ever AEW women’s champion in 2020.
Impact Wrestling has issued a statement of support for Gisele Shaw:
IMPACT Wrestling Knockout competitor Gisele Shaw has disclosed she is a transgender woman to the wider public. Shaw, who joined IMPACT’s roster in January of this year, informed IMPACT of her decision several months ago and made the disclosure in a series of interviews today.
IMPACT Wrestling fully supports Gisele, including connecting her with prominent LGBTQ+ resources, including GLAAD and Athlete Ally, and will continue to support her.
IMPACT Wrestling Executive Vice-President Scott D’Amore said: “IMPACT Wrestling has been at the forefront of empowering female performers for over 15 years. Our company believes featuring storylines with women athletes and characters from all different walks of life can not only entertain, but also inspire.
“Inclusiveness and representation are important to IMPACT and parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment, but I’ll also add Gisele is in IMPACT Wrestling because of her wrestling ability, her charisma and because she fits in with our roster. She is in IMPACT Wrestling because she’s one of the best young talents anywhere in the business.”
Reigning IMPACT Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace expressed her whole-hearted support for Shaw’s decision. She said: “As her friend, I’m excited for Gisele to be able to inspire people with her story. I know that is important to her. I’m biased, but I think the trans community has a great role-model in her.”
