Although he thinks the elevated profile of women’s wrestling in WWE is “a positive reflection of shifting social norms,” 27-year-old Braden Larson of Cleveland fears a harsh backlash if he openly states that he still doesn’t particularly care for women’s matches.

“I mean, I think it’s nice that the women are getting their own pay-per-view and everything, but it just doesn’t really appeal to my personal tastes,” Larson said. “I said that on Twitter, and a bunch of people called me a misogynist.”

Larson holds a number of opinions about women’s wrestling, which he believes are based in common sense, but have sparked heated backlash in online forums.

Among his most controversial opinions:

• “I find men’s matches typically more exciting and hard-hitting, by virtue of their larger physiques and power-based move-sets.”
• “The women are tremendous athletes, don’t get me wrong. I just grew up watching male heavyweights do battle in WWE and that’s still my preference, largely due to nostalgia.” 
• “I mean, do we have to make such a big deal about women being in the main event? I mean, it’s a scripted sport. Like, WWE is kinda just keeping up with social norms through its storylines. What happens in the ring is just a microcosm of ever-shifting social norms. I’m happy the women are getting some of the spotlight. I still just prefer the men’s matches. But hey, WWE has something for everyone, right? Let’s all just enjoy what we enjoy.”

After expressing such comments in an online wrestling forum, Larson was accused of hate speech and banned from posting.

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