Willow Nightingale isn’t here to play identity politics—and she’s definitely not here for body shaming either.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, the AEW star opened up about the ugly side of social media criticism and how she’s learned to rise above it. When it comes to people mocking her appearance, Willow says she’s built thick skin. But the hate crosses a line when it turns into attacks on all athletes who don’t fit the stereotypical mold of a wrestler.
“But the comments that I do have a problem with are when people attack a whole group of people because of my own shortcomings. When people are like, ‘Oh, she botched [a move] because fat people are lazy and they shouldn’t be in a ring.’ And so, OK, personally, you’re attacking my body. Whatever, that’s fine. But there are a bunch of athletes — not just women — athletes in bigger bodies, softer bodies, whatever, who work really hard. And so I feel like every time I’m letting them down.”
Willow also took aim at those who question her Blackness—claiming she’s either not Black enough or doesn’t speak up enough for Black people. As a mixed-race woman, she’s heard it all—and she’s done letting others define her identity.
“Even talking about race lately, I felt a little weird because there’s some people who feel like I’m not Black enough or I don’t speak up for Black people enough. Mixed race, Black people, people of color, whatever it is. … That is one of the things that really I take to heart.”
She admitted that at one point, the constant criticism almost broke her mentally.
“There reached a point in my career where I almost was driving myself crazy because every time somebody would say something bad about me, I felt like I was letting down so many people.”
But now, she’s made peace with knowing she doesn’t have to carry that burden alone.
“And I had to shake it off and be like, ‘Listen, you’re just one person representing, but you’re not the only one, and you’re just one person.’”
Willow Nightingale continues to shine not just because of her talent, but because of her raw honesty. Her voice matters—and by refusing to shrink herself to fit anyone else’s expectations, she’s opening doors for others who look like her, wrestle like her, and think like her.
What are your thoughts on Willow’s message about representation and body image in wrestling? Do you think the industry is moving in the right direction? Drop your take in the comments below.
November 12, 2025 8:07 am
