KJ Orso Highlights Native American Heritage in Pro Wrestling Event

Pro wrestler KJ Orso, one of the few athletes in the sport with a Native American background, will spotlight his heritage at Produce Wrestling’s Skoden event on Monday. Orso, teaming up with Gringo Loco, is set to face Rich Swann and Tiny Giant. The event celebrates Native American culture and aligns with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

It’s huge. In wrestling, it’s been less represented in a lot of ways. I feel like in a lot of ways, it gets overlooked and you don’t get as much care as you probably should. said Orso in an interview with OutKick Dropkick.

Orso expressed excitement about representing his heritage in the match against Tiny Giant and Rich Swann. Currently wearing his Choctaw tribal shirt, he reminisces about his experiences dancing in powwows and traveling. He noted the scarcity of genuine representation in wrestling, mentioning Tatanka and the older figure Chief Jay Strongbow as past examples. Orso takes pride in offering authentic representation.

Opposed to stereotypes, Orso plans to integrate his heritage subtly into his wrestling gear. He respects figures like Tatanka but criticizes the stereotypical portrayal in media. I think we can have nods to our heritage and bring awareness to our people without being so stereotypical in a way that you see in other things. he stated.

Fans might spot small heritage symbols like a dreamcatcher on his gear. Orso envisions building on his cultural narratives as opportunities arise, emphasizing his focus on achieving champion status rather than being perceived as an underdog.

The tag team he forms with Gringo Loco is named Dos Gringos Loco, inspired by legendary duo Eddie Guerrero and Art Barr, who performed as Los Gringos Locos in Mexico. Orso hopes for future success in tag team championships.

On Monday, at the Roulette Intermedium in New York, Orso wants fans to gain a deeper understanding of Native American culture. I think that we’re very proud people. I think we are a resilient people. I think that we have this innate fight within us that we love to show and whatever we decide to set our minds to. he commented.

Orso and other representatives hope the event demonstrates the spirit and determination of Native communities. Ryan Gaydos serves as a senior editor for Fox News Digital.