Roman Reigns refuses to celebrate PRIDE MONTH in June – he says “WOKE” is not worth being proud of!!
In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the wrestling world and beyond, WWE superstar Roman Reigns has publicly declared his intention to boycott Pride Month celebrations in June 2025, labeling the movement as “woke” and asserting it is not worthy of celebration. The announcement, made during a heated promo on WWE’s Monday Night Raw, has sparked intense debate among fans, activists, and fellow wrestlers, reigniting discussions about the intersection of professional wrestling, social issues, and personal beliefs. Reigns, known as “The Tribal Chief,” is no stranger to controversy, but this bold stance has positioned him at the center of a cultural firestorm.
The incident unfolded when Reigns, the reigning WWE Universal Champion, took the microphone during a live broadcast to address his ongoing feuds and the state of the wrestling industry. In an unexpected detour, he turned his attention to societal issues, specifically targeting Pride Month, an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. “I’m not here to play nice with this woke nonsense,” Reigns declared to a mixed reaction from the crowd. “Pride Month? That’s just a bunch of noise that doesn’t mean anything. It’s not worth celebrating. I’m focused on real things—family, legacy, and this title.” The arena erupted, with some fans cheering his defiance while others booed loudly, reflecting the polarized response his comments would soon generate online.
Reigns’ remarks come at a time when WWE has actively supported Pride Month in recent years, with superstars participating in campaigns and events to promote inclusivity. In 2023, WWE released a photo series featuring wrestlers like Finn Bálor and Sonya Deville showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, a move that was widely praised but also drew criticism from conservative fans. Reigns’ decision to publicly distance himself from these efforts marks a significant departure from the company’s messaging and has raised questions about his motivations. Some speculate that this is a calculated move to solidify his heel persona, a role he has mastered since aligning with The Bloodline faction in 2020. Others believe it reflects his personal views, pointing to his history of outspokenness on various topics.
The backlash was swift. Social media platforms, particularly X, exploded with reactions ranging from support to outrage. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups condemned Reigns’ comments, with GLAAD issuing a statement urging WWE to address the situation. “Roman Reigns’ remarks are disappointing and harmful, perpetuating harmful stereotypes at a time when inclusivity is more important than ever,” the organization said. Fans on X echoed this sentiment, with one user writing, “Reigns just lost a lot of respect. Pride Month is about love and acceptance, not ‘woke’ politics. Shame on him.” Conversely, some fans rallied behind him, praising his “courage” to speak against what they perceive as performative activism. “Roman’s keeping it real. Sick of corporations shoving agendas down our throats,” one supporter posted.
This controversy is not the first time Reigns has stirred the pot. His career has been marked by polarizing moments, from being booed as WWE’s chosen hero in 2015 to his wellness policy suspension in 2016. Yet, his current run as a dominant heel has earned him critical acclaim, with many arguing he is at the peak of his career. However, this latest incident risks alienating a significant portion of his fanbase and could impact his standing within WWE, which has increasingly embraced progressive values. The company has yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate internal discussions are underway to determine how to handle the fallout.
Critics argue that Reigns’ comments reflect a broader trend of public figures rejecting so-called “woke” culture, a term often used to dismiss progressive social movements. In 2023, companies like Bud Light and Target faced boycotts for their Pride Month campaigns, with conservative activists claiming such initiatives were divisive. Reigns’ stance aligns with this sentiment, but it also places him in a precarious position within an industry that thrives on diverse audiences. Wrestling has long been a melting pot of cultures and identities, and Reigns’ remarks could strain relationships with colleagues who openly support the LGBTQ+ community.
As the wrestling world awaits WWE’s next move, Reigns remains unapologetic. In a follow-up interview with TMZ, he doubled down, stating, “I say what I feel. If people don’t like it, that’s their problem.” Whether this is a storyline designed to generate heat or a genuine expression of his beliefs, the impact is undeniable. Reigns has once again proven his ability to command attention, but at what cost? As Pride Month approaches, the wrestling community will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds and whether “The Tribal Chief” can weather the storm he has ignited.
