Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Gabbi Tuft, who competed in iconic television events like "WrestleMania," "Smackdown," and "Raw," said she walked with her "head up high" for the first time on Thursday after she came out as a transgender person.

Gabbi Tuft wrestled professionally from the late 2000s until the early 2010s under the ring moniker "Tyler Reks." Tuft made the transgender announcement via a lengthy statement shared on her Instagram account on Thursday, saying: "This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me."

"This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do," Tuft wrote as a caption on her photo, wherein the former wrestler can be seen sitting on a sofa chair alongside an image of herself prior to her transition.

Gabbi Tuft added that she's no longer afraid and fearful and can now say with confidence that she loves herself "for WHO I am." 

Local 12 News reported that Tuft earlier left her wrestling career behind to spend more time with her wife and daughter. The former wrestler noted that she has the support of her wife, family, and closest friends.

Despite the outer change in her appearance, Gabbi Tuft said that she is still the same person. The former wrestler also said that she does not expect everyone to agree or understand as it is not her place to change anybody's core beliefs. 

Gabbi Tuft promised that she would always be transparent and truthful with her journey and to serve as a light to those who are in need.

Aside from the Instagram post that the former wrestler released, Tuft also shared a press release on Thursday, saying that she is about to share her thrilling story of gender transitioning from a former WWE Superstar, body builder, fitness guru, motivational speaker, and motorcycle racer to a fabulous fun-loving female, New York Post reported.

Tuft wrote that the last eight months have been some of the darkest moments in her life and thanked her family for helping her get through with it.

"My loving wife, family, and closest friends have accepted me for who I am. To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know," Tuft noted.

Gabbi Tuft said she told her daughter that she might not be going out in public now as people might make fun of her and might affect her.

And Tuft's daughter replied: "Daddy, I will never make fun of you," Daily Mail reported.

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Gabbi Tuft's Wrestling Career as Tyler Reks

Gabbi Tuft initially signed a developmental contract with WWE in January 2008 and was signed to the Florida Championship Wrestling territory as Tyler Reks.

Tuft then made a Florida Championship Wrestling debut on Feb. 5, 2008 with Johnny Curtis. Tyler Reks was known for using the "Burning Hammer" as a finisher, according to a WWE profile.

Tyler Reks' share of victories included The Dreadlocked Demolition Man through the competitions on SmackDown, WWE Superstars, and WWE NXT.

Tyler Reks made his 2009 debut in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) despite not turning pro until 2007 and swiftly got an opportunity for an ECW Championship Match in a 10-Man Battle Royal.

Tyler Reks also made an impact in 2010 as a key member of the iconic Team SmackDown at WWE Bragging Rights.

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