When Devon Monroe steps into the wrestling ring, he does so with boldness, energy, and a magnetic flair. His larger-than-life personality is not just about wrestling skills—it’s about representation and authenticity.
A Humble Show-Off in the Ring
Monroe, known in the ring by his real name Rahgeme Snider, isn’t just a wrestler—he’s a showman. “I like to call it humble showing off, because it’s never my intention trying to be better than anyone else. But you know, when you’re kind of that girl, it just kind of comes off that way,” said Monroe with a laugh.
Since debuting in 2018, Monroe has been a standout in the Twin Cities wrestling scene. With flashy outfits and an iconic wrestling move that involves his “booty,” he is truly one-of-a-kind. “Who doesn’t like using their ass?” Monroe jokes. “It’s fun. It wins the matches.”
Wrestling with Identity and Confidence
Monroe’s wrestling persona is rooted in confidence, showmanship, and femininity, qualities he says he never fully embraced in his personal life until now. “Devon is kind of just the confidence, the showmanship, the femininity, like just the gorgeousness that I feel like I never really got to live out in my real life,” said Monroe.
A lover of wrestling since childhood, Monroe grew up in Minneapolis watching WWE with his cousin. He was inspired by trailblazers like Sasha Banks and Naomi, two Black female wrestlers who fueled his passion for the sport. “It was always something that I loved, and I wanted deep down to do, but I never believed that I truly could,” he shared.
Embracing His Unique Identity in Wrestling
The professional wrestling world is traditionally a “macho man” environment, but Monroe brings a fresh perspective. His attire and strut in the ring draw inspiration from female wrestlers like Sasha Banks, who Monroe credits for teaching him the importance of confidence and star power. “You can tell from her facial expression, the way that she walks, that there’s just an air of star power. That is kind of the one thing that I took from her,” Monroe said.
Monroe’s LGBTQ+ identity as a Black gay man has helped him make a lasting impression. “It’s been almost kind of, like, revolutionary to see a character like mine not be the ‘ha ha,’ but instead be a serious character and actually put up a fight and hang with the rest of the boys,” said Monroe.
Changing the Landscape of Pro Wrestling
Monroe currently wrestles for F1RST Wrestling, a prominent local promotion known for its flagship event, Wrestlepalooza, held at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Owner Arik Cannon, who has mentored Monroe, sees his star power firsthand. “He’s been a star from Day 1,” Cannon said. “He knows that he has a connection. He knows that these people want to see him.”
F1RST Wrestling has embraced more inclusive talent, with Cannon noting that queer wrestlers are now an integral part of the promotion. “The archaic ‘80s, straight, white, misogynistic wrestling is, in my opinion, dead and gone,” Cannon said. “We’re doing things today in pro wrestling that back then would be unheard of. We have queer champions all over the landscape.”
A Beacon of Hope for LGBTQ+ Wrestlers
Ken Anderson, a former WWE star and founder of The Academy, a wrestling school in Minneapolis, coached Monroe early in his career. Anderson observed a shift in wrestling culture, where more LGBTQ+ athletes are stepping into the spotlight. “I feel like the world is becoming safer for everybody, in the sense that people are allowed to be who they authentically are,” Anderson said.
Monroe was the first openly gay wrestler to graduate from The Academy, and his success serves as a beacon of hope for other LGBTQ+ individuals. “I wanted to be a beacon of hope for other LGBTQ kids,” said Monroe. Now, his success is inspiring others to pursue wrestling and be true to themselves.
Monroe’s Dream of National Success
Monroe’s ultimate goal is to wrestle full-time and make it to national television. Though he currently works as an accountant, he’s steadily building his career in wrestling, with appearances across the country in Chicago, California, Florida, and Texas. He has also been recognized by Outsports as one of the top 20 LGBTQ+ wrestlers worldwide.
“2024 is the year for a new type of superstar,” Monroe said. His fans are drawn to his energy, and his LGBTQ+ supporters hold a special place in his heart. “The biggest thing is just knowing that they can see someone that they can relate to. They can see someone that has their story.”
The Future of LGBTQ+ Wrestling
Monroe’s next big event is Wrestlepalooza Night 1 on January 3, 2024, at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Tickets start at $35 before fees. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of this rising star, ready to see how far his talent and charisma will take him in the world of professional wrestling.
Credit: Nicole Ki, MPR News