Speaking Out movement

The Speaking Out movement or #SpeakingOut is a movement against emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in professional wrestling where people publicize their allegations of sex crimes committed by powerful and/or prominent individuals. The movement is similar to the Me Too movement. The phrase ″Speaking Out″ began to spread on Twitter in June 2020.[1]

Similar to other empowerment movements based upon breaking silence, the purpose of Speaking Out is to empower people to tell their stories of abuse they have experienced.[1]

History
David Starr, the first wrestler accused in the movement

On June 17, 2020, independent wrestler David Starr was accused of sexual assault by a former girlfriend of his.[2] Starr denied the allegation.[3] After the allegation came out, several wrestling promotions, including Over The Top Wrestling, stripped Starr of his titles and fired him.[4]

The following day, numerous people in and out of the pro wrestling industry accused several wrestlers, promoters, personalities, and journalists of sexual misconduct. The hashtag "Speaking Out" began to spread on social media when people told their stories. #SpeakingOut was a trending topic on Twitter. Soon after, one of the victims making the accusations stated that Yorkshire Police were investigating the accusations and that she and another victim had a list of 70 wrestlers with 100 incidents documented.[5]

Response

Many wrestlers, personalities, and journalists overwhelmingly supported those that spoke out on their experiences.[6]

All Elite Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling wrestler Jimmy Havoc was accused of emotional and verbal abuse by former partner, Rebecca Crow. On June 19, 2020, AEW announced in a statement that Havoc would be attending therapy for a number of issues and they would come to decision about his employment a later date.[7] Havoc would be released by AEW on August 13, 2020.[8]

On June 22, audio from an interview on The Whole F'N Show in 2016 went viral where Sammy Guevara joked that he wanted to rape WWE women's wrestler Sasha Banks. AEW subsequently suspended Guevara without pay with Guevara agreeing to undergo extensive sensitivity training. It was also announced that Guevara's salary would be donated to the Women's Center of Jacksonville.[9] Later that day, Banks announced that she and Guevara had been in contact with each other, that he had apologized to her, and that they had engaged in an "open discussion" to help him understand the severity of his comments.[10] Guevara would complete his training, and return on July 22, 2020.[11]

Chikara

On June 19, Chikara removed Kobald from their roster following allegations made against him.[12] Chikara owner Mike Quackenbush was also accused of abuse and neglect which led to many wrestlers on the Chikara roster such as Hallowicked, Kimber Lee, Jacob Hammermeier, Frightmare and Green Ant resigning from the promotion.[12][13] On June 24, 2020, Chikara announced they had shut down completely.[13] A few days later, Ophidian retired from wrestling.[14]

Impact Wrestling

Impact Wrestling wrestlers Joey Ryan, Michael Elgin, and Dave Crist were accused of misconduct. Impact Wrestling's parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, released a statement saying they were reviewing the allegations.[15] Ryan would release a statement without addressing specific allegations.[16] It was later revealed that Ryan and Crist's contracts were terminated, while Elgin was suspended.[17] On June 26, Impact Wrestling announced Elgin would be removed from all future programing.[18] On July 2, Elgin released a video denying the allegations made against him.[19] On July 18, Ryan also released a video denying almost all the allegations made against him.[20]

Major League Wrestling

On June 20, 2020, Major League Wrestling ring announcer Mark Adam Haggerty was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a minor. An hour later, MLW and two other promotions announced that they would no longer be working with Haggerty.[21]

National Wrestling Alliance

On June 18, 2020, National Wrestling Alliance Vice President Dave Lagana was accused of sexual misconduct. The following day, Lagana resigned from his position.[22]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling

New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Will Ospreay was accused by a former female wrestler of having her blacklisted after she made allegations towards another wrestler who is a friend of his.[23] While Ospreay denied the accusation, International Wrestling League would release a statement that contradicted his denial.[24]

Ring of Honor

On June 22, 2020, Marty Scurll was accused of taking advantage of a 16-year-old girl who was inebriated. Scurll would release two statements in which he did not deny the allegations, but claimed the encounter was consensual.[25] On June 25, Ring of Honor announced that they launched an investigation concerning the allegations.[26]

On July 6, former ROH Women's Champion Kelly Klein alleged that Jay Lethal sexually harassed women and ROH covered it up. He had been previously accused by Taeler Hendrix of sexually harassing her in 2018. Lethal released a statement denying the allegations.[27]

WWE

Joe Coffey was accused of harassing a woman, sending unsolicited naked photos, sending voice messages, and stalking.[28] On June 30, he was suspended by WWE.[29]

Jack Gallagher was accused of sexual assault. On June 19, he was released by WWE.[30][31] His profile was later deleted from WWE.com.[32]

Jordan Devlin was accused of physical abuse by a former partner.[33] Devlin denied the allegations.[34] He would be suspended indefinitely by Progress Wrestling following the allegations.[35]

Matt Riddle was accused of sexual misconduct by a female wrestler.[36] Riddle denied the allegation through his attorney.[37] It was later reported that WWE was aware of the allegation against Riddle when he was signed in 2018 and had investigated it at the time.[38] On July 8, Riddle admitted to having an affair with his accuser, but reiterated his denial of the accusations against him.[39]

Travis Banks was accused of emotional abuse by former student Millie McKenzie, who had a relationship with Banks while aged 17. McKenzie also stated that Banks has had similar relationships with other trainees. Banks responded to the allegations via a statement. McKenzie proceeded to tweet screenshots of a text conversation between the two where Banks, who seemed to be intoxicated by the nature of his messages, had stalked McKenzie and was harassing her in a hotel room.[40] Banks would be released by Progress Wrestling and WWE following the allegations.[41][42]

Wolfgang was accused of emotional abuse and taking photos of schoolgirls.[43][44]

Ligero was accused of indecent assault, sending inappropriate messages, and engaging in inappropriate conduct. While he denied the indecent assault allegation, he admitted that he did send inappropriate messages and engaged in inappropriate conduct.[45] Ligero would be released by Progress Wrestling and WWE following the allegations and his profile was also deleted from WWE.com.[41][46]

Velveteen Dream was accused of having inappropriate communications with minors as well as attempting to groom them.[47] He had previously been accused of sending inappropriate photos to minors several months earlier, which at that time he denied.[48]

Brock Lesnar was accused by Terri Runnels of exposing his penis to her whilst calling her name in 2004. Runnels had mentioned the alleged incident years prior.[49][50]

NXT UK referees Joel Allen and Chris Roberts were released by WWE on June 30 following allegations against them.[28]

WWE released a statement concerning Devlin and Riddle saying they took the matters seriously and were looking into it.[33][36] WWE would later issue a second statement saying that they would take action upon those who were arrested or convicted.[51]

Various independent promotions

Black Label Pro released wrestler Johnathan Wolf on June 19, 2020 following allegations of sexual assault and mental abuse.[52] Game Changer Wrestling subsequently removed Wolf from their The Wrld on GCW Part 2 show on June 20, 2020.[53]

Mikey Whiplash was accused of sexual harassment and physical abuse. Fierce Wrestling would cut ties with him following the allegations.[54]

Inspire Pro Wrestling ended their relationship with wrestler Andy Dalton on June 20, 2020 following allegations that Dalton had sent inappropriate messages to a minor.[55]

Following a string of sexual misconduct allegations made towards Singaporean wrestler Alex Cuevas, Singapore Pro Wrestling and Philippine Wrestling Revolution cut all ties with him.[56][57]

On June 21, 2020, Joey Ryan shut down Bar Wrestling following sexual assault allegations.[58][59]

Progress Wrestling announced that the promotion underwent structural changes after several wrestlers were either suspended or fired due to the numerous allegations made against them. The promotion also announced that they would shut down until they were satisfied with the changes.[60][61]

Former NWA/WCW and WWE manager Jim Cornette and his wife faced allegations that while Cornette was in charge of Ohio Valley Wrestling, he forced trainees to engage in sexual intercourse with his wife while he watched.[1] Cornette denied the allegations.[62]

Sweet Saraya retired on June 23, 2020 following allegations that she had abused both trainees and fellow colleagues.[63]

Revolution Pro Wrestling fired trainer Andy Simmonz and referee Chris Roberts on June 24, 2020 following allegations against both.[64]

Rockstar Pro Wrestling announced a new code of conduct in response to the Speaking Out movement.[65]

Jeff Duncan (aka The Natural) was removed as one of the co-owners of Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling amid sexual harassment and bullying allegations.[66]

Over The Top Wrestling announced that the promotion underwent staff and policy changes in response to the Speaking Out movement.[67]

Wrestling journalism

Brandon Stroud, professional wrestling editor for Uproxx, had his "With Spandex" vertical suspended after he was accused of sexual assault.[44][68] Uproxx later announced on July 2, 2020 that Stroud was fired from the publication and "With Spandex" would be shut down, with future pro wrestling coverage to appear on Uproxx Sports.[68]

See also

References
  1. Gartland, Dan (June 19, 2020). "Wrestlers Shed Light on Industry's Toxic Culture With #SpeakingOut". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  2. Powell, Jason (June 18, 2020). "David Starr accused of sexual assault by former girlfriend". ProWrestling.net. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  3. "David Starr Responds To Allegations, Premiere Date Set For The Miz's New Show | Fight-Size Update". Fightful. June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  4. Lambert, Jeremy (June 18, 2020). "Multiple Promotions Sever Ties With David Starr Following Sexual Abuse Allegations". Fightful. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  5. Lambert, Jeremy (June 19, 2020). "Report: West Yorkshire Police Carrying Out Enquiries Regarding Alleged Abuse In British Wrestling". Fightful. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  6. "Wrestlers speak out in favor of #SpeakingOut movement, supporting the women giving accounts of sexual abuse, harassment, and assault". Pro Wrestling Torch. June 19, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  7. Lambert, Jeremy (June 19, 2020). "AEW Releases Statement Regarding Jimmy Havoc Following Allegations Of Abuse". Fightful. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  8. Satin, Ryan (August 13, 2020). "Jimmy Havoc and Bea Priestley Reportedly Released from AEW". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  9. Keller, Wade (June 22, 2020). "Sammy Guevara suspended without pay from AEW due to a podcast comment in 2016 about wanting to rape Sasha Banks, Sammy and Sasha comment". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  10. https://twitter.com/SashaBanksWWE/status/1275140107473956866
  11. Satin, Ryan (July 22, 2020). "Sammy Guevara Returns From Suspension On Dynamite". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  12. Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "Mike Quackenbush closes Chikara, resigns as school's head trainer". Figure Four Online. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  13. Johnson, Mike (June 24, 2020). "CHIKARA SHUTTING DOWN". PWInsider. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  14. Giménez, Álex (June 29, 2020). "El luchador independiente Ophidian anuncia su retiro". Solo Wrestling (in Spanish). Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  15. Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "Impact Wrestling's parent company releases statement on allegations". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  16. Pollack, John (June 22, 2020). "Joey Ryan, Bar Wrestling deactivate Twitter accounts following allegations, Highspots issues statement". POST Wrestling. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  17. Nason, Josh (June 22, 2020). "Impact Wrestling fires Joey Ryan & Dave Crist, suspends Michael Elgin". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  18. Satin, Ryan (June 26, 2020). "Michael Elgin Will Not Appear in Any Further Impact Wrestling Programming". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
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  22. Powell, Jason (June 19, 2020). "NWA executive Dave Lagana resigns following allegation of sexual misconduct". ProWrestling.net. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  23. Lambert, Jeremy (June 20, 2020). "Will Ospreay Posts Statement Regarding Accusations He Helped Blacklist Pollyanna From Wrestling". Fightful. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  24. Lambert, Jeremy (June 21, 2020). "IWL Says Will Ospreay Told Venue He Was Uncomfortable With Pollyanna Being Booked". Fightful. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  25. Nason, Josh (June 24, 2020). "Marty Scurll releases new statement on sexual allegations". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  26. Currier, Joseph (June 25, 2020). "ROH launches investigation into accusations made against talent". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  27. Lambert, Jeremy (July 6, 2020). "Jay Lethal Releases Statement Regarding Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct". Fightful. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  28. Lambert, Jeremy (June 30, 2020). "Report: NXT UK Suspends Joe Coffey, Releases Two Referees". Fightful. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  29. Johnson, Mike (June 30, 2020). "NXT UK STAR SUSPENDED". PWInsider. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  30. "Jack Gallagher released". WWE.com. June 19, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  31. Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "WWE releases Jack Gallagher following sexual assault claim". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
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  35. Satin, Ryan (June 19, 2020). "Jordan Devlin And Travis Banks Suspended Indefinitely From PROGRESS Wrestling". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  36. Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "Matt Riddle accused of sexual abuse, WWE releases statement". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  37. Satin, Ryan (June 19, 2020). "Matt Riddle's Lawyer Releases Statement Denying Sexual Assault Allegation". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  38. Joonie Wrestling (June 22, 2020). "WWE already knew about the sexual abuse accusation against Matt Riddle". Súper Luchas. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  39. Powell, Jason (July 8, 2020). "WWE's Matt Riddle releases video responding to #SpeakingOut allegations". ProWrestling.net. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  40. Pollack, John (June 20, 2020). "Travis Banks responds to accusations by Millie Mckenzie". POST Wrestling. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  41. Rose, Bryan (June 20, 2020). "Travis Banks & Ligero dropped by PROGRESS amid abuse allegations". Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
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  44. William Beltran (June 19, 2020). "The list of fighters singled out for sexual harassment grows". Súper Luchas. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  45. Trainor, Daniel (June 19, 2020). "Ligero Denies "Indecent Assault" Allegation, Acknowledges Inappropriate Messages and Conduct". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  46. Trainor, Daniel (June 26, 2020). "Ligero Released By WWE After Multiple Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
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  49. Beltran, William (June 24, 2020). "Terri Runnels' allegations towards Brock Lesnar re-emerge". Súper Luchas. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
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  53. Toro, Carlos (June 20, 2020). "Tyson Kidd Okay With In-Ring Career Being Over, IMPACT Star Added To GCW Show | Fight-Size Update". Fightful. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  54. Lambert, Jeremy (June 18, 2020). "Fierce Females Cuts Ties With Owner Mikey Whiplash Following Allegations Of Abuse". Fightful. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
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  57. Ollero, Red [@comedybyred] (June 20, 2020). "Ever since I took over, we've had zero tolerance to Sexual Harassment. Alex Cuevas was banned from PWR ever since that incident happened. And we've improved protocols for reporting cases. We operate with the utmost discretion or however the victim wants it." (Tweet). Retrieved August 6, 2020 – via Twitter.
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  63. Beltran, William (June 23, 2020). "Saraya Knight, Paige's mom, withdraws after accusations". Súper Luchas. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  64. Quildan, Andy [@AQuildan] (June 24, 2020). "Both Andy Simmonz and the young man referenced in the original tweet are no longer associated with RevPro or the Portsmouth School of wrestling." (Tweet). Retrieved July 1, 2020 – via Twitter.
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  66. Johnston, Jesse (July 10, 2020). "Former B.C. pro wrestlers add their voices to industry's own version of #MeToo". CBC.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  67. Lambert, Jeremy (July 7, 2020). "OTT Wrestling Announces Staff And Policy Changes". Fightful. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
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