'People have been so supportive': Southampton wrestler on coming out

Jensen Ryan lives with his partner in the Bitterne area of Southampton and has been a huge fan of wrestling since he was a child.

He said: "I was a big fan and always wanted to do it. I saw a local advertisement one day and decided to give it a try, and I loved it."

Ever since then, the 38-year-old hasn't looked back. He trains at the Quality Wrestling Academy in Havant and has wrestled for SWF, Kapow Wrestling, and more.

While his love for the sport "continues to grow every day", the journey to get there hasn't always been easy.

He came out as a gay man when he was only 22 and was concerned about revealing his sexuality.

Jensen told the Daily Echo: "At first, I was worried and nervous about how people were going to react. Self-doubt was holding me back. 

"However, I was wrong to think that. It's been the opposite, actually. People have been so supportive, and at the club, we are like a family."

Receiving endless support from his friends and family has been a "positive" experience for him. 

Jensen is now proudly married to his husband, who can be spotted cheering in the crowd at most of his matches.

The pro-wrestler is known for his gothic style and "high-flying moves" in the ring.

He doesn’t shy away from being part of the LGBTQ community and is always ready for a challenge, such as competing in a charity or family-run wrestling tournament.

To keep himself busy, he works as a radio presenter, actor and tour guide for Southampton Ghost Tours. 

While breaking down barriers and overcoming personal hurdles, Jensen is now encouraging others from the LGBTQ+ community to give wrestling a try.

He says: "I have been in that position, so I would just say, go for it.

"No matter what, just get out and do it, and trust me, you will feel so good after that."