All Elite Wrestling's Sonny Kiss has responded to an internet troll's now-deleted homophobic comments made ahead of his TNT Championship match against Cody Rhodes.
After the match was announced, Rhodes responded to the negative comments, wanting to make it clear that "If you have a problem with a gay man receiving a title shot, you can kiss my ass." He noted how he is also proud to share a ring with Kiss. Kiss then shared an official statement in which he thanked everyone for the overwhelming support, explaining how he has always been open and comfortable with who he is.
"LGBTQ+ community and allies, I completely stand with you guys in making wrestling a more positive and comfortable escape for everyone," Kiss wrote. "That is something that we should all strive for. So, once again, I thank you!"
He closed his statement by sharing how he feels "the people on social media who spew hatred are often feeling more pain and sadness than what they're inflicting on others. I won't speak for everyone and I will continue to respect everyone's responses that come naturally to them. We're human. We have emotions. For me, I try my best to not counter hate with hate, but rather with confidence. 'An eye for an eye... well, you know the rest.'" Kiss then stressed how his TNT Championship opportunity was for the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Kiss and Cody Rhodes clashed during a special episode of AEW Fight for the Fallen. Although he pushed Cody to the limit, however, Kiss was unsuccessful in his attempt to claim the TNT Championship.