Kylie Rae lit a match on Twitterand the whole timeline caught fire. On April 9, the WWE ID Talent shared her frustration with wrestling criticism in a tweet that quickly exploded across social media.
MFs way too comfortable criticizing wrestlers, when theyve never even stepped foot in a ring, she wrote.
It didnt take long for former WWE and TNA star Gail Kim to amplify the message, quote-tweeting Rae with a simple but firm THIS to show support. Thats when fans snapped.
Tons of wrestling viewers, content creators, and long-time fans piled on with strong reactions, accusing Rae and Kim of trying to silence the same audience that supports them. Many pointed out that criticism is part of every public-facing professionand wrestling is no different.
One user posted, Respectfully, wrestlers are the most egotistical sensitive people on the planet. A reason why they cant do anything else. They followed up by saying, I get why they dont like criticism, but everyone in a professional sport gets criticized. Thats the nature of the job.
Another user drew comparisons to film: I criticize movies too. But Ive never directed one. Doesnt mean I cant spot a bad one. The implication? You dont need to be behind the scenes to recognize poor performance.
One fan went straight for the logic behind Raes argument: Ever been unhappy with a meal at a restaurant even though you didnt cook it? They were one of many who used real-world comparisons to show how absurd it is to expect silence from paying audiences.
A similar tweet echoed the same vibe: Softest entertainers in the world lmao. People are allowed to criticize you the same way yall criticize every damn airline and burger joint you visit.
Another added: Some MFs think their work is above criticism. Ever go to Starbucks and your drink isnt just right? You gonna keep quiet or speak up?
The takes werent just about general criticism. Some fans dragged Gails WWE history into it. One tweet read: Its nice to see when people who were fired and thrown out by WWE years ago continue to kiss the ass of that company, where perhaps they dont even remember those people. Dignity doesnt exist in people today.
Another user hit back at the gatekeeping tone of Gals tweet by writing, I hope youve never EVER sent back a plate of food at a restaurant. Because by your logic, if youre not a chef, youre not allowed to say anything.
One fan even addressed the idea that this level of fan criticism is somehow new: Lmaooo here yall go, its been happening since the beginning of wrestling and it will never change.
Others referenced Gails past in-ring behavior. One viral reply said: People that walk out of a wrestling match live on TV should never be allowed in a wrestling ring again but we all have our opinion on whats proper or not.
What started as a defense of the wrestling profession quickly spiraled into a conversation about performer ego, entitlement, and the publics right to voice their opinionsespecially when their money and time are involved.
Do you think Kylie Rae and Gail Kim were out of line, or do wrestlers deserve more respect from fans who have never been in the ring themselves? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
