Tyler Reks to Gabbi Tuft – A WWE Superstar’s Trans Journey
Gabbi Tuft’s life story is one of courage and transformation. Once known as Tyler Reks in the world of WWE, where she dazzled fans with her wrestling prowess, Gabbi has since embarked on a deeply personal journey that has touched the hearts of many.
Her transition from a celebrated male wrestler to a proud and inspiring transgender woman has not only reshaped her own life but has also brought her into the spotlight as a vocal advocate for transgender rights.
Let’s delve into her wrestling days, her journey through transition, and her passionate advocacy work that aims to uplift and support the transgender community.
From Humble Beginnings to the Wrestling Ring
Gabbi Tuft’s journey into the world of professional wrestling began in the sunlit groves of California, where she grew up nurturing a passion for sports and physical challenges. With a natural athleticism and a spirit of competition, she was drawn to wrestling, a field where strength and charisma come together on a grand stage.
Her early life was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, which eventually led her to the WWE, the pinnacle of professional wrestling. As Tyler Reks, she made her debut, ready to carve out a legacy within the ropes of the wrestling ring.
Climbing the Ranks in Florida Championship Wrestling
Gabbi Tuft’s wrestling journey took a pivotal turn when she signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in January 2008, starting in the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) development territory.
She quickly made her presence felt, although her debut match on February 5, 2008, alongside Johnny Curtis, ended in a loss against The Puerto Rican Nightmares.
Undeterred, Gabbi continued to compete, participating in key events such as the FCW Florida Heavyweight Title Battle Royal and a tag team tournament. Despite facing setbacks, her determination shone through as she and Rycklon secured a memorable victory over Ted DiBiase Jr. and Afa Jr., highlighting her potential early in her wrestling career.
Establishing Herself as Tyler Reks
By late 2008, Gabbi’s ring name evolved to Tyler Reks, marking a new phase of her career. This change coincided with significant successes, including winning the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship with Johnny Curtis after defeating The New Hart Foundation.
Her ability to defend this title over numerous challenges showcased her growing prowess in the ring. Gabbi’s momentum continued as she captured the Florida Heavyweight Championship in June 2009 by defeating Drew McIntyre, solidifying her status as a top contender in the wrestling world.
Rising Star as Tyler Reks
During her time with WWE, Gabbi, as Tyler Reks, quickly became known for her dynamic wrestling style and formidable presence. Her matches were not just fights; they were performances that captivated audiences worldwide.
Highlights of her career include her participation in significant events like WrestleMania and electrifying matchups against top WWE stars. Each bout showcased her evolution from a newcomer to a mainstay in the wrestling community, admired for her grit and prowess.
Her signature move, the “Burning Hammer,” left an indelible mark on fans and fellow wrestlers alike, cementing her status as a formidable competitor.
Transition to WWE’s Main Roster
Gabbi’s wrestling career took a major leap forward with her main roster debut on the June 30, 2009 episode of ECW on Sci Fi, where she introduced a surfer in-ring persona. Despite suffering a knee injury just before her debut, she displayed resilience by securing her first main roster win against Paul Burchill soon after.
Her participation in high-profile WWE events like WrestleMania XXVI and her inclusion in significant team matches, such as the SmackDown vs. Raw 30 Man Tag Team Battle Royal, highlighted her ascent in WWE.
Gabbi Tuft’s Courageous Coming Out on Instagram
She took a monumental step in her personal journey by coming out as transgender on Instagram, sharing her truth with the world in a heartfelt post. She expressed the deep-seated fear and apprehension that had kept her true identity in the shadows for years, fearing the reactions of family, friends, and her broad audience.
Her message, “This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me,” resonated as a powerful declaration of self-acceptance and an invitation to her followers to see her authentic self, unfiltered and real. Gabbi’s openness about the severe emotional challenges she faced over the previous eight months highlighted the immense struggles that accompany such a profound personal revelation.
Finding Strength and Support in Authenticity
In her coming out announcement, she expressed a newfound strength and freedom in embracing her identity, regardless of public opinion. She credited reaching a turning point in her life to the moment she stopped caring about others’ judgments, which allowed her true self to emerge without limits.
Crucially, she acknowledged the unwavering support and acceptance from her wife, family, and close friends, which had been vital throughout her transition.
Her message was one of gratitude towards her supporters and resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing that while her external appearance might change, her soul remains constant.
A New Beginning: Gabbi Tuft’s Transformation Journey
She has openly discussed the immense physical and emotional changes she underwent during her transition from male to female. Standing originally at 280 pounds and consuming up to 10,000 calories daily to maintain her robust physique, Gabbi embodied the archetype of what she described as “the alpha male of alpha males.”
However, her decision to transition marked the beginning of a significant transformation, shedding not just 190 pounds of weight and muscle but also redefining her identity and presence in the world.
The Challenge of Change: Losing the Muscle
Gabbi’s transition involved intense physical alterations, comparable to experiencing a second puberty. She underwent rigorous adjustments to her diet and fitness regime, which included:
- long, high-intensity cardiovascular sessions
- a strict ketogenic diet
- completely stopping weight training to reduce her muscle mass significantly.
This process, as Gabbi described, was not just physically demanding but also a “chore” to push her body to limits she hadn’t explored before.
The physical changes were as transformative as they were challenging, reflecting her inner journey towards embracing her true self.
How She Lost the Muscles to Achieve her Look
Tuft’s journey to lose muscle mass was a pioneering effort due to the scant resources available for trans individuals seeking similar changes.
She navigated this path with determination, experimenting and finding what worked to reshape her body to reflect her true self.
The Challenge of Shedding Muscle
Contrary to expectations, feminizing hormones like estrogen did not lead to significant muscle loss for Tuft. While these hormones altered her skin texture and fat distribution, they preserved muscle mass effectively.
Initially, Tuft sought advice from various fitness professionals, but the common suggestion to use lighter weights for more repetitions didn’t yield the desired muscle loss.
Frustrated but resolute, she took matters into her own hands, researching and implementing strategies to actively induce muscle atrophy.
Strategic Muscle Loss Through Diet and Exercise
Her breakthrough came when she adapted her approach to include no resistance training, pushing her body into a state where it had no choice but to use muscle as an energy source.
She adopted a version of:
- the ketogenic diet, heavily restricting carbohydrates and emphasizing proteins and healthy fats, to force her body to prioritize fat and muscle as fuel.
- a rigorous cardio routines, maintaining a high heart rate to optimize muscle burning.
Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind the Transformation
The key to Gabbi Tuft’s success in losing muscle mass and embracing her new physical form was deeply personal motivation. Understanding the ‘why’—her core reason for wanting to transform—was crucial.
This powerful internal drive helped her persevere through the toughest parts of her transition, enabling her to achieve the feminine physique she aspired to.
Her journey is not just a story of physical change but an inspiring example of aligning one’s external world with their internal identity.
Navigating Personal Relationships
The personal costs of Gabbi’s transition extended into her private life, particularly affecting her relationship with her wife, Priscilla. The couple experienced changes in their dynamic, leading to a loss of sexual attraction and eventually deciding to separate.
Despite these challenges, Gabbi and Priscilla have maintained a strong friendship and co-parent their child, demonstrating resilience and mutual respect through the complexities of Gabbi’s transition.
Their ongoing friendship and co-parenting arrangement underscore an enduring bond, reshaped yet sustained through profound life changes.
A Potential Return to the Ring
Amidst these life-altering experiences, Gabbi has hinted at a possible return to wrestling, teasing fans with potential comeback plans.
Her training sessions at “The Dungeon 2.0,” led by WWE wrestler Natalya and her husband TJ Wilson, suggest that Gabbi is not just focusing on personal transformation but also on a professional resurgence.
While she never clinched a main-roster title during her previous WWE tenure, her accolades in Florida Championship Wrestling as Tyler Reks—holding the FCW Heavyweight Championship and being a two-time FCW Tag Team Champion—remind us of her capabilities.
From WWE Superstar to Social Media Star
Her journey from a WWE superstar to a courageous advocate for the transgender community has not only reshaped her personal life but has also established her as a prominent social media star.
Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Gabbi continues to inspire and connect with a wide audience, sharing her experiences and insights, and advocating for acceptance and understanding.
Follow Gabbi Tuft
Stay connected with Gabbi Tuft and support her journey by following her on social media:
- Website: Gabbi Tuft’s Official Website
- Facebook: @gabe.tuft.50
- Instagram: @gabbituft
- Threads: @gabbituft
- X: @gabbituft
- YouTube: Gabbi Tuft’s Channel
- TikTok: @gabbituft
We hope you found inspiration in her story and a deeper understanding of her transformative journey. If her courage and resilience resonate with you, we encourage you to share this article.
Spread the word to help enlighten others about the complexities and triumphs of living authentically, and to support those in the transgender community who are seeking acceptance and love.
