{"id":142825,"date":"2025-09-29T08:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T12:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=142825"},"modified":"2025-09-29T06:56:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T10:56:43","slug":"gail-kim-vs-riho-hypocrisy-or-valid-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/09\/29\/gail-kim-vs-riho-hypocrisy-or-valid-criticism\/","title":{"rendered":"Gail Kim vs. Riho: Hypocrisy or Valid Criticism?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of late, Gail Kim has been under fire for her recent comments about AEW star Riho. The conversation sparked following AEW\u2019s All Out, where Riho challenged Mercedes Mone for the TBS Title. Posting on X (Twitter), Gail Kim responded to a fan asking about Jim Cornette\u2019s previous takes on Joshi. After seeing clips of Riho, Gail replied,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only issue that I had was that he made a comment about her teeth. I will say, and I haven\u2019t watched AEW in a very long time, but when I did watch Riho\u2026 I did feel uncomfortable watching her because the camera shots would go up her skirt, and she was always dressed like a very little girl, and it felt improper.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Gail Kim also stated she believes in \u201cbelievable wrestling.\u201d Despite the fact that wrestling, as an art form, is founded on one thing\u2014suspending belief among the viewers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am also into very believable wrestling\u2026 and it was very hard for me to believe a little girl that was being portrayed of that size was fighting the women they had in that division. To put it into context, I find Io, Mia, Asuka, Kairi, and Lei Ying to be more believable, and I don\u2019t feel uncomfortable watching.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Due to this, it has sparked a bigger conversation online about the believability and presentation of smaller wrestlers. Many fans and creators across all platforms have chimed in on this, including Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez, as well as creators on TikTok, like <\/span>Ashe Wayne<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Wrestle Girl<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at Gail\u2019s arguments one by one and try to break them down. Starting with Riho\u2019s size, her presentation, and finally, the alleged sexualization. Then, we\u2019ll determine if Gail\u2019s comments are founded in hypocrisy or if they\u2019re valid criticism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Size<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While many fans like a more \u201cgrounded\u201d or \u201cbelievable\u201d wrestling style, not all do. Fans are entitled to their opinions, including Gail Kim herself. However, smaller wrestlers have always existed. <\/span>Furthermore, it is arguably their small size that makes them more popular. By having diverse body shapes and sizes in wrestling, everyone can feel represented and relate to their favorite. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many fans have also pointed out that many women around Riho\u2019s weight and height have never received criticism based on size from Gail. Some include but are not limited to:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n