“I’ve been incredibly open and comfortable with who I am since I was practically a baby,” Kiss said in a statement shared on Twitter on Monday. “You can’t shame someone who is unabashed.”

The 26-year-old continued: “LGBTQ+ community and allies, I completely stand with you guys in making wrestling a more positive and comfortable escape for everyone. That is something that we should all strive for. So, once again, I thank you!”

He also added, “Sadly, I’d imagine the people on social media who spew hatred are often feeling more pain and sadness than what they’re inflicting on others. I won’t speak for everyone and I will continue to respect everyone’s responses that come naturally to them. We’re human. We have emotions. For me, I try my best to not counter hate with hate, but confidence.”

Kiss, who signed with AEW in February 2019 and is openly gay, recently answered Rhodes’ open challenge for his title. Rhodes, however, was criticized by a Twitter user late Sunday, for even getting in the ring with Kiss.

“Seriously @CodyRhodes this is supposed to compete with WWE now? You have a match with this low class F***** he’s a joke that I’ll never take seriously. He twerks in the ring like a stripper, one of his moves is banging your face in his ass. Really???” the tweet, which has since been deleted, read.

Rhodes—the TNT Champion and AEW Executive Vice President—took the user to task, responding, “This is terrible and you’re not worth the signal boost, but I’ll make this clear to fans worldwide. If you have a problem with a gay man receiving a title shot, you can kiss my ass. I’m proud to share a ring with Sonny.”

Rhodes has defended the TNT Championship four times since becoming the inaugural winner at AEW Double or Nothing in May. He’s successfully defeated Jungle Boy, Marq Quen of Private Party, Ricky Starks and Jake Hager.

Now he faces Kiss, whose match on Wednesday will be the biggest of his career.

“To the LGBTQ+ community: this Wednesday, it’s ON!” Kiss said at the end of his Monday statement. “This is not only for me, but for US! I’m going into this match feeling better than ever.”

Sonny Kiss challenges Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship this Wednesday on AEW’s Fight for the Fallen show, starting at 8 p.m. EDT on TNT.