On the Flagrant podcast, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes shared that he isn’t bothered by body shaming in wrestling, calling it a “vanity business”.
He feels that maintaining a strong physique is crucial, especially since wrestlers perform shirtless.
Rhodes noted that fans invest a lot to watch wrestling, so it’s reasonable for them to expect wrestlers to be in shape. He believes it’s fair for fans to judge wrestlers based on their physical appearance.
Here’s what The American Nightmare said:
“This is a vanity business. There’s this weird online contingent that doesn’t realize how important [physique] is. We’re wrestling with our shirt off, folks, it’s ok to go the gym.
And you hear fans be like ‘you can’t body shame wrestlers’ – what are you talking about? We’re standing there half naked and you’re paying hundreds of dollars to see us. Body shame me all you want.”
During a recent interview with TV Insider, AEW wrestler Adam Cole had the following to say about being constantly body shamed:
“Early on I recognized part of being a public figure is expecting to hear scrutiny, expecting to hear judgment. That’s what being in the public eye really means.
People are allowed to say what they want to say. Does it feel good? Not at all. It definitely doesn’t. At the same time, if I’m someone who wants to be in the entertainment business and in the public eye, I know it’s something I have to expect to deal with in a lot of ways. I know everyone handles it differently.
For me, I’ve gotten to the point where I kind of ignore it or block it out as best I can. I’m focused on making me the best version of me. I try not to get too discouraged with what social media can say.
I also think it can be motivating for some people. It can be a challenging time for people, but I try to block it out as best I can. It’s part of being a public figure where people are going to voice their opinions.”
WATCH: Super Exposing Shots Of Brandi Rhodes (Cody Rhodes’ Wife):
