Gay pro wrestler Jake Atlas makes triumphant return to the ring after mental health struggle

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Jake Atlas ended his retirement with a spectacular return to the ring.

Atlas, real name Kenny Marquez, made headlines in 2019 when he became the first-ever active, out man signed to the WWE. He joined the organisation as a NXT Superstar and made his debut in 2020.

However, Atlas announced in September that he would be “stepping away from wrestling” for the foreseeable future. He cited struggles with mental health and said he “simply can’t keep going anymore”.

But four months on, Atlas has stepped back into the ring as a member of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

AEW founder Tony Khan confirmed the news on Twitter. The news came a day after Atlas debuted on AEW Dark: Elevation and beat fellow wrestler Serpentico in just a few minutes.

Khan congratulated Atlas on winning his “tryout match” and gushed that it was a “great AEW debut” for the wrestler.

Jake Atlas thanked Khan and AEW for welcoming him back into the ring, declaring the “superstar is back”.

“If only everyone knew every detail leading up to this,” he wrote on Twitter. “This means everything to me.”

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He continued: “Cliché but I really have a lot to prove now. This year, whether you love me or hate me, you’re going to know me.

“It is what it is. Superstar is back.”

If only everyone knew every detail leading up to this. This means everything to me. Cliché but I REALLY have a lot to prove now. This year, whether you love me or hate me, you’re going to know me. It is what it is. Superstar is back. ✨

Thank you @TonyKhan #AEW https://t.co/hVQ7akrGDt

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