The state of Oklahoma is reportedly considering a rule change that would allow transgender wrestlers to compete against others of their gender identity.

In December 2023, AEW received a warning after Nyla Rose faced Alejandra Lion at an event in Oklahoma City. Sports Commission member Larry Lovelace indicated that AEW would face “punitive action” if Rose competed against women in the state.

It now appears that Oklahoma officials are reevaluating their stance. Public records show that Commission Administrator Jim Miller informed AEW SVP Chris Harrington that allowing Rose to wrestle violated state rules regarding matches “between males and females.” Miller’s email to Harrington stated:

“For your information the Commission is currently in discussion to possibly change this rule. However if it is determined by the Commission that the rule should be changed it will have to go through the legislative process for rule-making and would not be in effect until July 2024.”

Miller retired from his position in March 2024 and was replaced by Diana Fletcher, who did not comment on the December 2023 match.

AEW President Tony Khan expressed his support for Rose in April 2024, stating he was “disappointed” by the warning. Khan was noncommittal about whether the statute would prevent future events in Oklahoma, and no events in the state have been announced. AEW’s support for Rose aligns with their various LGBTQ+ inclusive programs and support for other LGBTQ+ wrestlers on their roster.

This isn’t the first time Oklahoma has discussed the rights of transgender wrestlers. In 2022, Konner Vaughn, who transitioned from female to male, became a licensed wrestler in the state but was banned from competing against men. After the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission ignored his requests to reconsider, Vaughn left wrestling, citing the “soul-crushing” statute as a major reason. Vaughn hopes to return to wrestling in his home state if the rules are changed.

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