IMPACT Wrestling Knockout Gisele Shaw Asked To Throw Out First Pitch At Gay Softball World Series
IMPACT Wrestling announced a partnership with the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance on April 1, 2022. IMPACT has welcomed members of the NAGAAA teams to its wrestling shows this year. In February, members of the Derby City Pride League in Louisville and members of the New Orleans Softball League attended shows. In March, members of the City of Brotherly Love Softball League attended IMPACT shows in Philadelphia.
On April 9th, NAGAAA announced a new partnership with IMPACT Wrestling.
IMPACT has and will welcome members of NAGAAA teams to its pro wrestling shows across North America. In late February, for instance, about 15 members of the Derby City Pride League attended IMPACT shows. Also, in February, members of the New Orleans Softball League attended IMPACT shows.
“We’re proud to partner with NAGAAA, as are other brands from the sports industry and beyond,” said IMPACT Executive Vice-President Scott D’Amore. “We know NAGAAA members will have fun at future IMPACT shows; we’re confident that NAGAAA members will be future, loyal IMPACT fans.”
“NAGAAA is excited to partner with IMPACT. NAGAAA has over 17,000 sports and entertainment fans ready to embrace IMPACT Wrestling. Our players across the country look forward to attending IMPACTS events in the coming months,” said NAGAAA representative Sam Lehman.
Founded in 2002, IMPACT is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, specifically at its SLAMMIVERSARY pay-per-view event in June – and members of that city’s NAGAAA affiliate will be in attendance. IMPACT Wrestling airs every Thursday night on AXS TV, starting at 8 p.m. ET. The IMPACT roster features Moose (a former NFL player), Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Matt Cardona, Trey Miguel, plus the Knockouts Division featuring such stars as Tasha Steelz, Mickie James, Deonna Purrazzo, Madison Rayne, and Rosemary, among others.
IMPACT Wrestling has long been a strong supporter of the LGBT community. In 2019, for instance, IMPACT promoted a multi-day Coming-Out Tour in Chicago for wrestler Kiera Hogan after she announced on social media that she was in a same-sex relationship. IMPACT also recently had openly gay Las Vegas-based wrestler Jai Vidal wrestle and appear multiple times on the company’s weekly TV show.
Further announcements regarding the IMPACT Wrestling and NAGAAA partnership will be announced soon.
Then, on June 6th, IMPACT Wrestling produces a First-Ever IMPACT Pride Shirt and Donates A Portion Of All Sales From Its To NAGAAA, The organization That Runs The Annual Gay Softball World Series
A few weeks later, on June 24th, Gisele comes out as transgender, and IMPACT makes a statement in support of her:
IMPACT Wrestling Knockout competitor Gisele Shaw has disclosed she is a transgender woman to the wider public. Shaw, who joined IMPACT’s roster in January of this year, informed IMPACT of her decision several months ago and made the disclosure in a series of interviews today.
IMPACT Wrestling fully supports Gisele, including connecting her with prominent LGBTQ+ resources, including GLAAD and Athlete Ally, and will continue to support her.
IMPACT Wrestling Executive Vice-President Scott D’Amore said: “IMPACT Wrestling has been at the forefront of empowering female performers for over 15 years. Our company believes featuring storylines with women athletes and characters from all different walks of life can not only entertain, but also inspire.
“Inclusiveness and representation are important to IMPACT and parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment, but I’ll also add Gisele is in IMPACT Wrestling because of her wrestling ability, her charisma and because she fits in with our roster. She is in IMPACT Wrestling because she’s one of the best young talents anywhere in the business.”
Reigning IMPACT Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace expressed her whole-hearted support for Shaw’s decision. She said: “As her friend, I’m excited for Gisele to be able to inspire people with her story. I know that is important to her. I’m biased, but I think the trans community has a great role-model in her.”
IMPACT Wrestling was in Dallas, Texas for the Lonestar Stampede TV tapings on August 26th and 27th. On August 29th, Gisele took to her own Twitter account to announce that she’d be throwing out the first pitches at numerous Gay Softball World Series games, as part of their alliance with the NAGAAA.
Be sure to check out Gisele Shaw and all of the other amazing IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts everything Thursday night!
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