Anthony Bowens is determined to carve a path for himself as one of AEW’s top stars, not just as a tag team champion, but as a singular force within the company. Following his return to All Elite Wrestling at the Dynasty pay-per-view, Bowens has made it clear that his sights are now set on achieving personal glory as a singles competitor. His mission: to become AEW’s first out gay singles champion.
Bowens, who had been off AEW programming for several months following the split with his former tag team partner, Max Caster, made his grand return by answering Caster’s open challenge during the Dynasty event. The moment was significant, marking not only Bowens’ return to the spotlight but also his renewed focus on establishing himself as a major player in AEW’s men’s division.
A New Chapter for Bowens
Reflecting on his previous run in AEW, Bowens expressed pride in what he and Caster accomplished as The Acclaimed. The duo became one of AEW’s most successful and beloved tag teams, with a record-setting number of victories and memorable moments. However, after their split, Bowens believes it’s time to move on and pursue his individual goals.
“I think we’ve accomplished everything that I’ve wanted to accomplish as a tag team,” Bowens said. “Despite my personal feelings toward Max, The Acclaimed is undoubtedly one of the best tag teams in AEW’s history. We still have the most wins in company history, and that’s something I’m proud of.”
Though Bowens has no ill will toward his former partner, he emphasized that his primary focus now lies on advancing his career as a singles competitor.
“I’m focused on becoming a singles competitor and achieving my goals in that arena,” Bowens said. “I’m fully prepared to work hard, continue earning everything I have, and ultimately win gold. And I’d love to be AEW’s first openly gay singles champion. That’s a major goal for me, and it all starts right here, right now.”
Making History in AEW
Bowens’ desire to become AEW’s first openly gay singles champion is significant. While AEW has already seen LGBTQ+ wrestlers make history, including Nyla Rose’s groundbreaking victory as the AEW Women’s Champion in 2020, no openly gay male wrestler has captured a singles title in the men’s division. Bowens hopes to change that.
In 2022, Bowens made history as the first out LGBTQ+ male wrestler to win AEW gold, claiming the AEW World Tag Team Championship with Caster as part of The Acclaimed. This moment was a landmark achievement, not only for Bowens personally but for the wider LGBTQ+ community in professional wrestling.
Despite his success in tag team wrestling, Bowens is determined to make an even bigger mark as a singles star. “This is the next step in my career,” Bowens explained. “I’ve already proven what I can do as part of a team, and now I’m ready to prove what I can achieve on my own.”
Breaking Barriers for LGBTQ+ Athletes
Bowens’ pursuit of a singles championship is more than just about personal ambition—it’s about breaking down barriers and pushing for greater visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional wrestling. Since coming out publicly in 2017, Bowens has become a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry. He was also recognized for his efforts in 2024 when he earned a spot on Outsports’ prestigious Outsports Power 100 list, which honors influential LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.
AEW has been a leader in fostering inclusivity, with multiple LGBTQ+ talents making an impact across various divisions. For example, Toni Storm, the current AEW Women’s World Champion, became the first out LGBTQ+ pro wrestler to be ranked as the top female wrestler on Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual Women’s 250 list. More than 20 LGBTQ+ wrestlers appeared on the 2024 list, further highlighting the strides the industry has made in embracing diversity and inclusion.
Bowens’ aspirations align with the growing trend of LGBTQ+ visibility in professional wrestling. He understands that by becoming AEW’s first openly gay singles champion, he would not only achieve a personal milestone but also pave the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ wrestlers to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or exclusion.
Bowens’ Message to Fans and Fellow Athletes
As Bowens continues to chase his dream of singles gold, he remains committed to the idea that representation matters. He hopes that his success can inspire others in the LGBTQ+ community who may not have seen themselves reflected in the world of professional wrestling.
“I didn’t have anyone to look up to when I was growing up, especially not in wrestling,” Bowens admitted. “That’s why it’s so important for me to be open about who I am. I want other people, especially LGBTQ+ youth, to see that it’s okay to be yourself and to chase your dreams, no matter what they are.”
Bowens’ journey is not just about winning titles—it’s about breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, and making history. As AEW’s men’s division continues to evolve, Bowens is ready to claim his place among the company’s elite stars, showing that you don’t have to conform to traditional expectations to succeed in professional wrestling.
As he moves forward in his career, Bowens is committed to proving that he belongs in the conversation with AEW’s top stars. His ultimate goal is to make history once again—not just as a champion but as a symbol of progress and inclusion in the wrestling world.
“I’ve got a lot to prove, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make that happen,” Bowens concluded. “Being AEW’s first openly gay singles champion is a goal I’m ready to chase, and I’m not stopping until I get there.”
With his eyes set on the future, Anthony Bowens is more determined than ever to achieve greatness, both for himself and for the LGBTQ+ community.
