It doesn’t matter if WWE knew about or approved Lita would be supporting Times Up, the campaign against workplace sexual assault, harassment and inequality which sprung from women sharing their stories of abuse as part of the #MeToo movement, in the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match. Even setting aside how some felt about her also representing The Fabulous Moolah, who is alleged to have perpetuated and profited from the culture in which those injustices thrived, on her gear, seeing the Queen of Xtreme representing with #TimesUp on her gear on Sunday, Jan. 28 was a powerful statement.
She’s not content to stop there, either. Lita (real name Amy Dumas) released the following statement explaining what went into her decision to work the Rumble, and wear that on her shirt:
“On January 28, I was fortunate enough to have been included in the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match. Historically, it was tough to have the women even represented at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, much less have equal representation and be the main event. With only a few days notice between when I was asked to participate and the match itself, I had to wonder: As much as I wanted to be a part of history, could I pull this off?? After all, I hadn’t been in the ring in a decade, and while my full-time tenure at WWE sowed the seeds for the current Women’s Evolution (led by a roster of kick-ass women), I knew this historic event was going to be much bigger than myself and my own contributions to the industry. A big factor in deciding to go for it was the position I was now in to represent women everywhere.
First, to all the women in professional wrestling. Women who passed away before they were able to their contributions as a rung on this ladder [sic]. I wanted to step in the ring for these performers who came before me and sacrificed so much of their lives for their millions of fans. But this evolution is bigger than even them. I wanted to be an entrant in this match for all women who have felt underrepresented, in all aspects of their lives.
That is why, when I stepped through the curtain, I wore my #TimesUp gear. Watching these women step forward, hearing their #MeToo stories, as difficult as they are to share, has brought strength and unity to women who previously felt alone, ashamed or scared. This is so much bigger than one match. Everyone has their own journey and their own way to heal. I am still figuring out mine, but am so proud of all of you who have been able to come forward and join together for the sake of the evolution, and the re-education that this is not right.
Women should not be discriminated against, and I support you in whatever makes you feel like you are doing the right thing for you. Taking legal action is only one of those ways, but it also happens to be one of the ways where our support can do the most good. Which is why 100% of the proceeds of this auction is being donated to the #TimesUp Legal Defense Fund to honor the strength of ALL women. I support you, and applaud your courage and your healing, in whatever way is best for you.
Thanks for reading,
Amy”
Strangely, the auction for Lita’s ring attire is no longer up. We’re not sure if that’s because it was set for a short duration or for some other reason, but like the caveats listed above, it doesn’t negate the message she sent last month on PPV, or that she’s included in this tweet.