Pro wrestler Karl Fredericks, previously known as Eddy Thorpe in WWE NXT, is set to compete at Produce Wrestling's Skoden event on Indigenous Peoples' Day, an occasion he views as an opportunity to authentically represent himself.
Fredericks, who has Native American ancestry, will face Javi in a singles match at Roulette Intermedium in New York. This event specifically celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day, highlighting wrestlers with Native American heritage.
"I'm a damn pro wrestler, and that's what Karl Fredericks is. That's what this has always been about," Fredericks told OutKick Dropkick. "It was my love for pro wrestling, my love for performing, what I learned in Japan, that fighting spirit, the true heart and soul of professional wrestling and going out there, b---s to the wall."
He expressed a desire to move beyond portrayals he felt were stereotypical, describing his past character work as, at times, feeling like a "cartoon Indian." Fredericks stated that working with Produce Wrestling, a company he believes gives him a platform to be himself, is a blessing.
Fredericks shared personal struggles with his cultural identity, recounting instances where he felt caught between different social groups. "There are days when I'm, again, in the spirit of being facetious, and then there's a lot of pain in the experience behind it where it's just like, man, maybe I am just a f---ing Indian, whatever that means, and I don't know what that even means," he said.
He recalled a moment during his time at the WWE Performance Center when he performed a promo for John Cena. Fredericks dressed in attire reflecting his heritage and cut a promo on Roman Reigns, challenging the notion of a "Tribal Chief" by contrasting it with his understanding of leadership. Cena reportedly praised the promo, understanding the wrestler's identity.
"I think it really is just up to me," Fredericks said, reflecting on his journey to self-acceptance. "The last year and a half has been very tough mentally, just processing a couple years of my life."
Fredericks is looking forward to the Skoden event, not only to compete but also to support other wrestlers of Indigenous heritage. "I'm really excited for this opportunity to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples' Day, help out some other homies, some kids that I've been either watching or know of or had asked around," he stated.
He expressed confidence in his abilities, declaring, "If I was a betting man, I’d bet on red."