Val Venis Slams LGBTQ Representation at 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

One big thing: Former WWE star Val Venis unleashes tirade against LGBTQ inclusion in Olympic ceremony

Val Venis, the controversial ex-WWE Intercontinental Champion, took to social media to voice his displeasure over LGBTQ representation during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

The details:

• Venis criticized a segment featuring a parody of The Last Supper with LGBTQ actors portraying Jesus and his disciples.
• He accused the “LGBTQ+++XYZ mafia” of targeting Christianity while avoiding criticism of Islam.
• Venis claimed LGBTQ advocates mock Christians because they are “peaceful” but fear retaliation from Muslims.

Why it matters:

This outburst highlights ongoing tensions between conservative wrestling personalities and progressive social movements, potentially alienating fans and sparking debate within the industry.

By the numbers:

• Venis’ Twitter account (@ValVenisEnt) is heavily restricted and difficult to find through direct searches.
• This is one of many controversial statements from Venis, including past criticism of Cody Rhodes and CM Punk for their LGBTQ support.

The bigger picture:

As wrestling continues to evolve and embrace diversity, reactions like Venis’ underscore the challenges faced by promotions trying to balance traditional fan bases with more inclusive messaging.

What’s next:

With 2024 shaping up to be a politically charged year, it’s likely we’ll see more polarizing statements from wrestling personalities on social issues.

How do you think wrestling promotions should handle controversial statements from former stars like Val Venis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.