Gabbi Tuft, a former WWE superstar, has shared her journey of transitioning from a man to a woman. Known in the ring as Tyler Reks, Tuft underwent significant changes in her life.
She has opened up about her experiences, including her struggles and triumphs during this transformation.
WWE star Gabbi Tuft was known for impressive strength.
Before her transition, Gabbi Tuft was known for her impressive physique. At her peak, she weighed 280 pounds and had a low body fat percentage. She followed a strict diet and exercise routine, consuming around 10,000 calories per day.
Her life revolved around fitness and maintaining her strong image. Gabbi described her former self as an “alpha male,” someone who exuded strength and confidence. She had a distinct look, with long dreadlocks and tattoos.
This persona was a part of her identity, but it also came with its challenges.
“I was a guy who [sic] dreadlocks down to my butt. I’d shaved the side of my head,” she said.
“I looked like a cross between Ragnar Lothbrok and the Mountain from Game of Thrones with tattoos. You couldn’t miss me.
“Then I was walking up and down the street in heels and women’s clothes.”
Former WWE wrestler reveals drastic challenges of transitioning to a woman
The decision to transition was not easy for Gabbi. She felt a powerful urge to express her true self. She realized that her identity did not match her appearance. This realization led her to make the brave choice to medically transition.
She began to explore her femininity, which included shedding her muscular physique.
Gabbi found freedom in embracing her true self. She described the transition as “powerful” and liberating. She felt like she was finally able to let go of the past and become the person she always wanted to be.
“I was the protector. I was the alpha male of alpha males, and everything I did revolved around that.
But when I made the decision to medically transition, it was so powerful that I was truly ready to release all of it.”
She continued, “It’s been a sobering year to six months,” adding that taking estrogen was similar to “going through a second puberty.”
Struggle with the weight loss journey
As part of her transition, Gabbi had to lose a significant amount of weight. She shed 280 pounds of muscle, which required a complete overhaul of her fitness routine and eating habits. This journey was not just physical but emotional as well.
Gabbi emphasized that weight loss is more than just a physical change. It involves understanding the emotional reasons behind wanting to change. She now works as a fitness counselor, helping others navigate their own journeys. She believes that finding the “why” behind one’s goals is crucial for success.
“It’s the emotion behind why you want to achieve what goal it is.”
She added, “It just goes far beyond fitness and nutrition… all the way up to professional athletes… if it’s not a strong emotion [guiding you] what we see is the moment hunger cravings kick in and you’re [off the game].”
“We got to dig deep. We got to find the true deep emotion behind it. And once you have that, it drives everything,” she said.
Gabbi Tuft faced bullying in high school, which motivated her to start going to the gym. As a “skinny, scrawny” student with a 4.0 GPA, she began lifting weights during the summer and gained muscle. This transformation helped her, and the bullying eventually stopped.
“It was like a defense mechanism,” she recalled, “so I wouldn’t get picked on. But as I got older and older, I began to understand it gave me a platform to help people.
And so that’s why I continue with it.”
