WWE wrestler Darren Young: ‘I’m gay and I’m happy’

It took a TMZ photographer by surprise and Darren Young sounded surprised himself.

The 29-year-old professional wrestler revealed that he was gay during an interview at Los Angeles International Airport early Thursday morning.

The cameraman asked Young if a gay wrestler could be successful within the WWE.

“Absolutely,” Young laughed. “Absolutely, look at me. I’m a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now I’m gay and I’m happy.”

Young, whose real name is Fred Rosser, joined World Wrestling Entertainment in 2010. Like other WWE superstars, Young plays a role or character. His Twitter bio pretty much sums that up:

“As comfortable in the VIP section as he is in the ring, Darren Young’s life revolves around three things — money, women and wrestling.”

The photographer that approached Young at the airport commended him for “coming out.”  Young was appreciative but looked at it more as an honest statement than some bold declaration.

“To be honest, I don’t think it matters,” Young insisted. “Does it matter? Does it matter to you? Does it change what you think about me?”

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Young continues: “I’m comfortable with myself and I’m happy to be living a dream. I’m in [Los Angeles] for SummerSlam, WWE.”

SummerSlam is one of the WWE’s premiere pay-per-view events. Young isn’t worried about the criticism he may receive from what he revealed.

“Some people might not like it, some people will like it,” Young said. “But I’m here to please myself. I’m here to be happy. It’s very important I’m happy with myself.”

Young said he’s hopeful his coming out will make a difference and make it perhaps easier for other wrestlers to come out in the WWE if they choose to.

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The photographer asked Young once more about any fears or worries he has participating in a sport such as wrestling. Again, Young said it’s about business.

“We’re all adults,” Young said. “All sports are physical. “We’re all adults. When I come to work, I come to work. Business is business. I’m a WWE superstar and I’m there to entertain the WWE universe, and that’s what my job is to do … and I do it well.”

Watch the full TMZ interview with Young below: 

In April, NBA veteran Jason Collins revealed he was gay in an article in Sports Illustrated. Collins is currently a free agent.

Young and his tag-team partner Titus O’Neil go by the name “The Prime Time Players.” Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s Executive Vice-President praised Young’s announcement on Twitter Thursday morning.

According to McMahon, whose father Vince is the WWE’s CEO, Young is the “first openly gay WWE Superstar.” 

*Update:

World Wrestling Entertainment has released a statement on Young’s announcement Thursday morning:

“On TMZ this morning, WWE Superstar Darren Young revealed to the WWE Universe that he is gay. WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar. Today, in fact, Darren will be participating in one of our Be A STAR anti-bullying rallies in Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation.”

Later Friday, Young tweeted out a quote from openly gay actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein: