Former WWE Wrestler, Gabbi Alon Tuft: ‘This Is Me. Unashamed, Unabashedly Me’

Former WWE Wrestler, Gabbi Alon Tuft: ‘This Is Me. Unashamed, Unabashedly Me’

Gabbi Alon Tuft, formerly known as WWE wrestler Tyler Reks, made an announcement:

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“The ball dropped early today as this is now worldwide news,” Tuft shared in an Instagram post. “This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me. This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do. I am no longer afraid and I am no longer fearful. I can now say with confidence, that I love myself for WHO I am.”

Tuft is described on WWE‘s site as “more than just a menacing haircut. (Tuft) also wielded a pretty mean Burning Hammer.’ (Tuft’s) devastating signature maneuver was the most crushing among Reks’ powerful arsenal of moves to match (Tuft’s) intimidating look…It didn’t take long for ‘T. Reks’ to pounce from the underground to WWE. Reks made (a) 2009 debut in ECW despite not turning pro until 2007 and quickly got an opportunity for an ECW Championship Match in a 10-Man Battle Royal.”

Tuft went on to say in the Instagram post announcement:

“The previous eight months have been some of the darkest of my entire life,” Tuft said. “The emotional turmoil of being transgender and having to face the world has almost ended me on multiple occasions. However, the day I stopped caring about what other people thought, was the day I truly became limitless and allowed my authentic self to come into the light.”

The former WWE wrestler gave a shout out to his wife, family, and close friends.

“My loving wife, family, and closest friends have accepted me for who I am,” Tuft said. “To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know.”

“I don’t expect everyone to agree or understand. It’s not my place to change any of your core beliefs. Just know that the outer shell may change, but the soul remains the same. I know that many of you have questions and, as I have promised, they will all be answered…on Extra, my interview with Billy Bush airs worldwide. I have included a link in the bio to this interview along with my personal coming out video that explains everything (waiting for Instagram to approve my name change and update the bio – please see my story for the link in the meantime). I promise to always be transparent and truthful with my journey, and to be a light to those that are in need. This is me. Love always, Gabbi Alon Tuft”

Part of Gabbi Alon Tuft’s Instagram post

Here’s the interview on Extra Tuft mentioned:

Tuft also gave an update a day after making the announcement:

“**Day 1 of my new life** As I write this my eyes are welling up with uncontrollable tears of joy,” Tuft said. “The incredible outpouring of support from thousands of people I’ve never met is an illustration of just how much love there is in this world. Yesterday, as I fully embraced my authentic self, neighbors went out of their way to ring my doorbell and drop off cards, flowers, and give hugs and support; I was showered with an unimaginable amount of love and encouragement every time I picked up my phone; and my uncontrollable smile you saw yesterday was directly from my soul. As I walked to my neighbor’s house yesterday, and for the first time since I began my transition, instead of walking with my head down in fear – I held it high, my fingers were no longer clenched and hiding my nails, and my hair was no longer hiding my face. Thank you to everyone that has reached out in support. You have reaffirmed what I already knew, which is that we as humans truly are beings of love and light. Thank you for seeing my heart. I love you all and I am grateful beyond words for each and every one of you ♥️Gabbi”

Gabbi Alon Tuft’s Instagram post