Kit Wilson: Challenging Toxic Masculinity, One “TOXIC!” Catchphrase at a Time
In the electrifying world of WWE SmackDown, a new voice is emerging, one that’s not afraid to call out what it perceives as problematic hyper-masculinity. Kit Wilson, a 31-year-old performer from Buckinghamshire, real name Samuel Stoker, has rapidly become a fan favourite, injecting a unique brand of British satire into the wrestling arena. While his persona is one of flamboyant gyrations, flexing biceps, and a dazzling, sleeveless jacket set to Charli XCX-inspired music, his on-screen rants often target what he deems “toxic masculinity” among his peers.
Wilson’s character is a masterclass in layered performance. He can be seen one moment embodying the quintessential wrestling showman, and the next, dissecting the problematic aspects of hyper-masculine ideals. This duality has resonated with audiences, with many hailing him as one of the most entertaining segments of SmackDown. Wilson himself is quick to emphasise that he is indeed portraying a character, one that he uses to deliver sharp, quintessentially British satire. However, beneath the surface of this satirical commentary lie genuinely important social issues.
Though often positioned as an antagonist by his fellow wrestlers, Wilson’s character likely sees himself as a role model, a hero championing a more evolved form of masculinity. Yet, he’s self-aware enough to recognise that such self-aggrandisement, if not handled with a satirical lens, could itself be labelled as “TOXIC!!!” masculinity.
During a recent conversation, Wilson delved into the nuances of his stance. “This is a TV show, it’s an exaggeration of who I am,” he explained, speaking via Zoom. He stressed that while he aspires to be a role model, he’s not advocating for blind imitation. “I do want men to rise up together,” he stated, but acknowledged that this collective uplift doesn’t preclude occasional conflict and trash talk, citing his recent confrontation with music star Jelly Roll.
His current look reflects this evolving perspective. Sporting a pearl necklace over a short-sleeved blue shirt and a white vest, with his hair slicked back into a ponytail, Wilson uses his appearance to challenge traditional notions of masculinity. “Even with pearl necklaces,” he mused, “you see a lot of hyper-masculine wrestlers wearing gold chains, and I think that can be attributed to bravado. A pearl necklace leans slightly more feminine, but I’m gonna do it in my own, powerful, masculine way.”
He hopes this sends a broader message: “If there’s a boy or girl in the audience who wants to wear a pearl necklace and express themself… If I have a small part in someone feeling okay with expressing themselves, that’s what I’m here for.”
A Timely Conversation Amidst Manosphere Discourse
Wilson’s commentary arrives at a particularly relevant moment, coinciding with the release of Louis Theroux’s documentary, Inside The Manosphere, on Netflix. The documentary, which also streams various WWE programming, has ignited widespread discussion, offering some viewers a new perspective on the disillusioned and angry young men prevalent globally. It highlights how some of these individuals are susceptible to manipulation, with narratives often blaming women for their struggles.
“I really enjoyed the documentary,” Wilson admitted, finding it resonated with his own character’s exploration of toxic masculinity within the WWE. “I talk a lot about toxic masculinity, and I have a lot of problems with my fellow roster members because they are… toxic!” he emphasised.
He was quick to clarify that his critique isn’t against masculinity or men in general. “I think we should all rise up,” he reiterated, “but I do think there’s a certain problem that Louis highlighted massively. It could be due to a lack of education on the subject matter, naivety, maybe past trauma, but these men often enhance masculine personality traits.”
Wilson recalled a poignant observation, possibly from the documentary or an article: that projected strengths in some men are merely compensations for underlying weaknesses. He felt Theroux expertly demonstrated this, noting how initial bravado-filled answers to questions often gave way to more honest, vulnerable responses when confronted with a thoughtful pause.
Embracing Vulnerability as True Masculinity
In contrast, Wilson views his own character and persona as embracing all facets of personality – masculinity, femininity, and vulnerability. He believes this openness is the hallmark of true strength in men. The outdated adage “boys don’t cry” is something he actively challenges. “You should cry; we should let these emotions out. These are healthy things.” Similarly, while he supports anger as a natural emotion, he takes issue with aggression.
He believes the “negative influence” of some men in the wrestling world may stem from a lack of self-awareness. Perhaps they could learn from Wilson’s meticulous approach to crafting his in-ring persona. His catchphrase (“TOXIC!”), signature pose, and distinct look have all contributed to his memorable presence. He even had significant input into his theme music, which achieved chart success on iTunes, providing WWE’s production team with specific song and production element references.
“I’m trying to make every single aspect as big as possible, but I’m only one half of the decision-making process,” Wilson explained. “The company’s got so much input as well, but I think you see how much of an effect it has when it all comes together.” He remains dedicated to building his character into a “massive entity,” one that, regardless of its performance, is undeniably layered and thought-provoking.
For viewers in the UK and Ireland, WWE Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and all Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, are available as part of a Netflix subscription. Tickets for the WWE European Summer Tour are also currently on sale via wwe.com/events.
