The Red Cyclone, 2 of 2

Last week, we discussed the over-sized, shirtless, hyper-masculine Russian wrestler from the “Street Fighter” video games. I was never a huge video gamer so I didn’t know much about him before, but I’m sure interested in him now…

Of all the characters in Street Fighter, he is the least clothed and the most physically impressive.  Clearly he was included in the video game to inspire awe, to catch our eyes, to generate some sex appeal.  Like a big monstrous Heel wrestler, he is meant to appear intimidating — to be someone that the heroic opponent can’t possibly defeat (but the hero will often rely on agility, pain tolerance, and boundless energy to kick the big brute’s ass…)

Another aspect of this character is the rumor and implication that he is gay.  I’ve run across more than one article talking about his ambiguous sexual orientation and the subtle hints by the game creators that he likes to use men for more than just sparring partners.

One reason some people think he is gay is because he is a pro wrestler (whereas other characters in Street Fighter are more into karate or bar brawls judging from their clothing.)   Obviously pro wrestling is perceived as a gay activity.

The creators of Street Fighter — the Japanese video game maker Capcom — have provided clues to the wrestler’s sexuality, sometimes implying he is straight and married, sometime implying that he lives a more alternative lifestyle.  For example, they tell us he enjoys wrestling with bears. A “bear” in gay culture is a burly, hairy stud.   Are they implying that he enjoys wrestling with actual wild bears, or with big, burly, hairy gay men?  Certainly gay men in Japan, where Street Fighter originated, are known to be drawn to large, bearish, hairy men and would find this character sexually attractive.

Capcom also included some back-story to their games implying a possible gay tendency.  For example, in the wrestler’s Bio where he lists his dislikes, he mentions “young beautiful women.”  In one game, he tells another fighter, handsome Ryu, “I like you personally.”

Another reason some people believe this big brute is gay is because he appeals to them in a sexual, homo-erotic way.  He appears strong, proudly barechested, and powerful.  Some men will feel excitement when they look at him.  They will then project their own homo-sexual urges onto him and say he is gay, when in fact, they can’t admit they are feeling gay themselves.

This is why some fans will claim that a handsome pro wrestler like a Cody Rhodes or Justin Gabriel is gay.  Not because the wrestler did anything that appeared gayer than any other wrestler, but because the viewer himself is feeling homo-erotic stirrings and will project those feelings onto the source of his excitement rather than internalize them.

I believe Capcom was wise to create some question about this big stud’s sexuality because the fanboys will buy and play this game to see if they can discover anything salacious or perverse in the game play.  The gay rumors have stirred up fantasies in the game’s fan base, generating greater interest in the characters, and probably selling more copies of the games.  People love to fantasize and get off on dirty secrets.  Knowing or speculating about about a celebrity’s sexual habits, possible fetishes, and partner preferences is a major thrill for many, especially if the object of their speculation is appealing (although a fictional character).

My fellow wrestling blogger who runs the “Inner Jobber” blog enjoyed playing as this character when video-gaming. You can see more great photos of the Russian hunk in his tribute article.

The fact that people are curious about the Russian wrestler’s sexual leanings just proves, again, that they are into him.  His sex appeal has inspired their curiosity.  His manly physique has all the fanboys hoping and praying he is gay, just as they do with many popular pro wrestlers.