Nyla Rose Makes History as First Out Trans Pro Wrestler to Hold UK All-Women’s Top Title

Nyla Rose, a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional wrestling, has made history as the first out trans wrestler to capture the top women’s championship in a major UK promotion. On Saturday, August 23, at the “EVE x The World” event held at the Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, London, Rose defeated reigning champion Nightshade to claim the coveted Pro Wrestling: EVE Championship, an all-women’s title with a significant legacy within the British independent wrestling scene .

The main event match, which lasted more than 17 minutes, featured high-impact action and was officiated by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) referee Aubrey Edwards. Rose managed to secure the victory after reversing one of Nightshade’s signature moves and finishing with a Swanton Bomb from the top rope, a maneuver that led to the decisive pinfall and the crowning of a new champion .

Rose’s victory is not only a personal milestone—her first championship since 2021—but also a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the sport. She is now the first out transgender woman to hold the top women’s championship in the UK’s Pro Wrestling: EVE, a promotion renowned for its commitment to diversity and inclusion within professional wrestling .

Rose joins a select group of out LGBTQ+ athletes who have previously held the EVE Championship, including Charlie Morgan, Jetta, Piper Niven, and Safire Reed, each of whom has contributed to greater visibility and acceptance for queer wrestlers in the industry .

She is also one of only three out trans pro wrestlers to hold a championship title in a major British wrestling promotion, standing alongside Gisele Shaw and Commander Sterling .

The championship match saw both Rose and Nightshade trade momentum, with multiple near-falls keeping the audience on edge. Nightshade, who had held the title for 113 days, was ultimately overpowered by Rose’s athleticism and determination .

After the match concluded and Rose was crowned champion, the celebration was cut short when Rhio, the number one contender for the EVE Championship, attacked Rose. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated title defense, with Rose scheduled to face Rhio at the upcoming “Elite Encounters” event on November 7 .

Nyla Rose’s historic achievement comes amidst a period of renewed international attention on the intersection of sports and LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in professional wrestling, a realm historically challenged by issues of gender and identity inclusion. Rose, who previously made history as the first out transgender woman to win the AEW Women’s World Championship in 2020, has consistently used her platform to advocate for greater acceptance and visibility for transgender people in sports .

Pro Wrestling: EVE, founded in 2010, is known for spotlighting women and LGBTQ+ talent, and its championships are regarded as among the most prestigious in European women’s wrestling. Rose’s victory in such a prominent UK-based promotion signals an evolving attitude towards transgender athletes in the global wrestling community, reflecting broader social progress and the ongoing push for equality and inclusion .

AEW, where Rose remains a featured competitor, has also been recognized for its efforts to champion diversity. The company’s increasing collaboration with UK-based promotions, as evidenced by Rose’s appearance and her expected presence backstage at the AEW x NJPW “Forbidden Door” event in London, underscores the growing transatlantic influence of inclusive wrestling organizations .

While Rose has not yet released a formal statement following her historic win, her achievement has been widely celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates, wrestling fans, and fellow athletes. Social media has seen an outpouring of support, with many noting the importance of visible transgender role models in sports .

LGBTQ+ sports advocacy organizations have highlighted the significance of Rose’s win, noting that positive representation at elite levels can challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations of transgender and queer athletes. The moment also adds to the legacy of Pro Wrestling: EVE as a platform for marginalized voices within professional wrestling.

With her victory, Nyla Rose not only cements her legacy as a champion but also as a pioneer for transgender inclusion on the world stage. Her upcoming title defense against Rhio is highly anticipated, promising to further showcase the talents and resilience of LGBTQ+ competitors in a sport that continues to evolve toward greater inclusivity.

As the wrestling world looks forward to Rose’s reign as EVE Champion, her achievement stands as a milestone for the LGBTQ+ community and a testament to the power of representation in professional sports.