In a recent interview with The Washington City Paper, WWE NXT superstar The Velveteen Dream discussed several topics and responded to people stating that he is gender non-conforming and androgynous.

“I can’t make anything of those descriptions of Velveteen Dream. I don’t consider myself either of those. It’s very hard for a performer to take that outside look. I’m a very introspective individual. It’s hard for me to label myself or characterize myself. I do believe that current performers in WWE, more specifically in NXT, we have more freedom to be ourselves. I can say the people you see on TV are real-life individuals, not just people playing a role, myself included.”