AEW Breaks New Ground: Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize’s On-Screen Kiss Sparks Conversation

All Elite Wrestling took a significant step toward authentic LGBTQ+ representation on November 8, 2025, when wrestlers Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize, teaming together on AEW’s Collision broadcast, shared a kiss mid-match. Rather than framing the moment as shocking or controversial, AEW allowed it to unfold naturally, with neither commentary nor storyline buildup designed to spotlight their relationship for ratings or drama. This understated approach marked a notable departure from the industry’s historical handling of same-sex affection, where such moments were often sensationalized or used as plot twists.

Professional wrestling has long grappled with the depiction of LGBTQ+ identities. Historically, same-sex relationships have been marginalized, stereotyped, or deployed as shock tactics rather than normalized components of the wrestling world. AEW’s choice to present Newell and Alize as a couple—without fanfare, without a “very special episode,” and without an overt attempt to generate controversy—stands in sharp contrast to the way other major promotions have handled similar moments. As wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer observed, “It wasn’t done for ratings. It wasn’t done to shock people. It was just there…this is not ambiguous, this is not teased, this is just—they’re lovers and that’s it. They were kissing in the match, and it wasn’t done in a WWE way…They were just doing it”.

This approach aligns with broader calls within the LGBTQ+ community for authentic and non-exploitative representation in media, allowing transgender people, queer women, and other marginalized groups to be depicted as multifaceted individuals rather than stereotypes or plot devices

Reactions within wrestling circles have been largely supportive, with many fans expressing enthusiasm for AEW’s normalization of a same-sex couple on mainstream wrestling programming. Social media platforms saw fans celebrating the moment, noting that genuine LGBTQ+ relationships deserve to be presented respectfully and without manufactured controversy.

However, the decision was not without its detractors. Some segments of the fanbase questioned the focus on relationship dynamics in the ring, while others acknowledged that AEW’s understated approach is a step forward compared to past industry practices.

This moment arrives in the context of ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and entertainment. Organizations like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign have long advocated for the normalization of LGBTQ+ identities in media, emphasizing that representation should move beyond tokenism and toward genuine inclusion. AEW’s decision to integrate a same-sex couple into its programming without spectacle or controversy is consistent with these goals and may set a new standard for other wrestling promotions and sports entertainment entities.

A notable aspect of the event is the lack of official AEW commentary on the relationship; the company chose not to highlight or explain the moment, instead allowing Newell and Alize’s chemistry and partnership to speak for themselves. This subtle approach reflects a growing understanding within the industry that the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes and performers can be most powerful when normalized rather than spotlighted for sensational effect.

As AEW continues to expand its roster and audience, moments like Newell and Alize’s on-screen kiss offer an encouraging sign for the future of LGBTQ+ representation in sports entertainment. By treating their relationship as a normal part of the wrestling narrative, AEW has opened the door for more inclusive storytelling and set a precedent that may influence other organizations to follow suit.

The impact of this approach—quiet, authentic, and affirming—will likely be felt for years to come, as fans and performers alike look for greater diversity and inclusion both inside and outside the ring.