Is Max the Impaler a Guy? An In-Depth Look at Wrestling‘s Transgender Trailblazer

As a longtime fan of professional wrestling and MMA fighting, I couldn’t be more excited to see Max the Impaler make their All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut. This talented trans masculine wrestler is about to become the first openly non-binary performer in a major national promotion, and that’s an absolutely huge milestone!

In this in-depth profile, we’ll get to know Max the Impaler, explore their path to pro wrestling stardom, and discuss the importance of their groundbreaking representation for the LGBTQ community. There’s also some controversy around another AEW tag team’s catchphrases that we need to cover.

So get ready for a crash course on one of the most fascinating up-and-coming talents in the squared circle!

Who is Max the Impaler?

Let’s start with the basics on Max. According to Outsports, Max identifies as trans masculine non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. The House of Truth Wrestling School lists Max at 5’10” and 165 pounds.

Max is from Warren, Michigan and got interested in wrestling from a young age. They’re athletic and grew up playing several sports. As a teenager, Max started training professionally at the House of Truth school owned by former WWE star Josh Raymond (aka JT Lightning).

Max’s Wrestling Background

After training with JT Lightning, Max the Impaler cut their teeth on the Midwest independent circuit working for promotions like Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), Glory Pro and Wrestling For a Cause.

Some of their major accomplishments on the indies include:

• Winning the AIW Intense Division Championship in 2019
• Becoming the first trans champion in AIW history
• Holding the Wrestling For a Cause Pride Championship
• Winning the NWA Women’s Invitational Tournament in 2021

In late 2021, Max branched out from their Midwest roots and joined the roster of Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. This joshi puroresu promotion features an all-women’s roster and has ties to Japan’s iconic DDT Pro Wrestling.

Tag Team Gold in Tokyo Joshi Pro

On January 4th, 2022 Max teamed up with their girlfriend Heidi Howitzer as the Wasteland War Party. Together they defeated Yuki Arai and Marika Kobashi to become the first LGBTQ tag team champions in Tokyo Joshi Pro history!

Max and Heidi call themselves “post-apocalyptic punk rockers.” Heidi also identifies as trans feminine non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. As the Wasteland War Party, they’ve quickly developed a cult following among Tokyo Joshi fans.

Their visibility as queer champions is a huge step for LGBTQ representation in Japanese wrestling. Joshi puroresu has traditionally been marketed mostly to straight men, so Max and Heidi’s success sends a great message of inclusion.

Stats on LGBTQ Representation in Wrestling

To put Max and Heidi’s accomplishment into perspective, let’s look at some stats on LGBTQ representation from Outsports’ 2021 report:

• 3 active LGBTQ wrestlers in WWE
• 7 active LGBTQ wrestlers in AEW
• 16% of LGBTQ characters on WWE TV were transgender
• 0 openly trans masculine wrestlers in WWE or AEW before Max

While Japanese joshi promotions like Tokyo Joshi Pro have featured more visible LGBTQ characters than men’s promotions, Max is still the first openly trans masculine wrestler in a major title match. Having the Tokyo Joshi tag belts rockets their visibility to new heights.

Max‘s Groundbreaking AEW Debut

On January 12th, 2022, Max will make history again when they step into an AEW ring for the first time. Max is teaming with indie standout Erick Redbeard (formerly Erick Rowan in WWE) to take on the popular AEW duo The Acclaimed.

This will make Max the first openly non-binary wrestler to compete in a major U.S. promotion. As a hardcore wrestling nerd, I can’t emphasize enough how culturally significant this is. AEW has a huge audience on TNT and TBS, as well as international reach via streaming and social media.

Max’s talent and determination earned them this opportunity. But it also shows the importance of LGBTQ visibility for AEW. I give major props to Tony Khan for giving a platform to underrepresented groups. He recently told GLAAD:

“I‘m looking forward to keeping that diversity and welcoming people from all orientations and all genders…to give them an opportunity, whether fans or wrestlers, to participate in the AEW wrestling community.”

Well said! And having Max the Impaler prove themselves in AEW opens the door for more non-binary and trans wrestlers to follow.

Controversy Around "Scissor Me Daddy"

Now I do need to address the “Scissor me daddy!” controversy popping up around Max’s AEW debut. This catchphrase is used by the tag team The Acclaimed, who Max will face on January 12th. It’s shouted repeatedly by Anthony Bowens while his partner Max Caster raps on their way to the ring.

The Acclaimed are super over the top heels, pushing the limits of suggestive language. Many fans find it funny and playfully provocative. However, some are accusing them of tastelessness and transphobia for using it against Max.

What Does “Scissor Me Daddy” Mean?

Urban Dictionary defines “scissoring” as a sexual position where two women intertwine legs and rub vulvas together to stimulate clitoral orgasm. So saying “Scissor me daddy!” references female tribadism in a provocative daddy/little girl DDLG roleplay sense.

Bowens has denied any ill intent toward Max the Impaler. He calls it simply a tongue-in-cheek reference capitalizing on the popularity of “daddy” as an affectionate nickname. Max Caster also clarified there‘s "nothing but love and respect" between them and Max.

My Take

While I understand people feeling the phrase is in poor taste, I don’t think The Acclaimed mean it maliciously toward Max or the LGBTQ community. Controversial gimmicks have always been part of the carnival spectacle of pro wrestling. We’ve seen racist, sexist, and homophobic angles get major heat from fans and media over the years.

But ultimately, I think Max joining AEW can help the culture there continue evolving in a more inclusive direction. Online fan response already shows most people support Max as a boundary-breaking superstar.

Power of Social Media Fan Response

Another reason Max the Impaler’s AEW debut is so monumental is the amplification of social media. Fans now have unprecedented ability to engage directly with wrestlers and promotions.

For example, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) of AEW has masterfully used Twitter to establish himself as wrestling’s top heel. He’s also voiced support for adding more diversity:

There is no room for racism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, or hate of any kind in @AEW – or the world. I look forward to continuing my work to make wrestling a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.

— Maxwell Jacob FriedmanTM️ (@The_MJF) June 23, 2020

Fans and wrestlers are engaging in an ongoing, productive dialogue about representation. Max‘s boundary-breaking example can inspire more enlightened perspectives.

While we still have a ways to go, it‘s refreshing to see a major promotion give such a visible platform to an LGBTQ athlete. And with Max‘s talent, they will undoubtedly wow audiences and earn respect. Their AEW signing feels like a real turning point for inclusion.

More Controversial Wrestling Gimmicks

To put the concerns around The Acclaimed into historical perspective, pro wrestling has often pushed boundaries and sometimes missed the mark. Looking back shows how depictions of marginalized groups have gradually improved.

For example, 1990s WWE saw some pretty bad stereotyping with characters like Hunter Hearst Helmsley‘s racist vignettes against Latinos, or Goldust‘s sexually ambiguous gimmick.

By contrast, modern characters like Sonya Deville, Darren Young, and Nyla Rose demonstrate more nuanced representations of LGBTQ identities. While problems persists, fans and companies have evolved.

Closing Thoughts on Max‘s Impact

If early fan reaction is any indicator, I expect Max the Impaler will receive huge support when they step through the AEW curtain. Regardless of the oddball catchphrases thrown their way, today‘s audiences are ready to cheer for talent of any gender identity.

I‘ll be watching Max‘s debut match closely. This phenomenal wrestler has already opened doors for transgender athletes in the US and Japan. Now on wrestling‘s biggest stage, Max can inspire the next generation of LGBTQ superstars. Their AEW signing proves passionate, hard-working performers will be welcomed based on skill, not prejudice.

To any trans masculine wrestling hopefuls reading this, take Max the Impaler‘s lead. Train hard. Work the indie circuit. Build your brand online. Remain determined and be yourself. There is absolutely room for you to succeed. The mat is ready.

So bring on January 12th! Let‘s watch history unfold as Max the Impaler ushers in a bold new era of representation. The future of wrestling looks bright and inclusive.