Wrestling Star Anthony Bowens Has The Perfect Clapback For Anti-Gay Protesters
When faced with bigotry, some people argue. All Elite Wrestling star Anthony Bowens prefers a simpler, more effective approach: a kiss. The wrestler gave us all a lesson in handling hate with style this week after a threat from anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters.
It all started when Bowens was in Arlington, Texas, for a fan event. After his appearance was promoted, a person claiming to be part of the Westboro Baptist Church announced on X they would be there “to rebuke this sinner!”
A fan then suggested to Bowens that a photo of him and his boyfriend kissing in front of the group “would be epic.”
Bowens’ reply was short and perfect. “Already did,” he posted, sharing a powerful photo from 2021 of him kissing his boyfriend, Michael Pavano, in front of another Westboro Baptist protest. The repost quickly gained thousands of likes, proving that a confident picture can still speak volumes.
This is about more than just a viral post…
This moment is typical of Bowens, who became All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) first out gay male champion in 2022. He has consistently used his platform to champion visibility and speak to the importance of representation in sport. Have you ever wondered why an athlete coming out still matters so much? In 2023, Bowens explained it perfectly.
“If you’re someone making that comment… THIS part of my life isn’t for YOU,” he wrote. “It’s for those that can relate to me and the struggles that I have gone through in my life because of it. I didn’t have someone to look up to and now I have the opportunity to be that for others. So yes, it DOES matter.”
Already did https://t.co/SFMIcAfYQJ pic.twitter.com/i3kE6kDbsS
— Anthony Bowens (@Bowens_Official) July 10, 2025
He continued, addressing those who choose to focus only on his sexuality.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, those are HUMAN experiences that a lot can related to no matter what your belief’s are. If you’re choosing to focus centrally on the LGBTQ+ stuff then you’re tipping hand to being someone that leads with hate,” Bowens stated. “Focus on the things on the things that bring us all together, rather than getting angry at the things that make us different. You’ll live a lot happier life.”
Bowens continues to show that living openly and without apology is one of the most powerful statements you can make.
