 |
| (Image Source: ComicBook Resources/CBR.com) |
Within the past few weeks of the same period, a number of female professional wrestling stars, more particularly in the United Kingdom where it all began, literally came out of their shadows and have spoken out on social media on issues of sexual abuse and misconduct that they have experienced during their careers. Some have pointed out the likes of Jack Gallagher, Joey Ryan and Michael Elgin as the culprits behind these issues. Their strong statements have taken social media and the wrestling industry by storm with the hashtag #SpeakingOut becoming a trending topic. Heck, even some of the Filipino female wrestlers have strongly joined the fray. Cases in point are Nina and Krystal of the Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR).
Following a massive surge of #SpeakingOut statements from female wrestling stars amidst the brewing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, several major and independent professional wrestling promotions have taken action regarding these issues. IMPACT Wrestling, for instance, has terminated the contracts of Joey Ryan and Dave Crist who are being accused of sexual misconduct and severed ties with Michael Elgin which would eventually be pulled from the upcoming 5-way match at Slammiversary on July 18 (Saturday) for the vacant IMPACT World Championship. PWR, on the other hand, promised that it will exert efforts to improve on how to stage a safe and diverse environment after learning about the issue. Not all actions, however, leave a good impression though.
David Lagana, who was allegedly accused of sexual abuse, resigned from his position as Vice-President of the NWA. This shocking development has pushed the company to not release upcoming content until further notice and undergo restructuring. Meanwhile, after a series of sexual allegation issues strongly expressed, independent wrestling promotions CHIKARA and Bar Wrestling have been officially closed down as announced by their respective owners. Although it didn't cause a huge blow to the business, I strongly believe that the #SpeakingOut movement is what professional wrestling needs in these challenging times where mass gatherings are allowed with strict limitations and people are mandatedly encouraged to stay at home.
The professional wrestling industry may be a dangerous business and has been overcoming different challenges and issues that literally test its stand towards them such as the call for more female wrestlers to be given an opportunity to showcase their prowess in the ring and prove that they are more than just beauty. The #SpeakingOut issue may not be the biggest challenge for the industry, but what we've learned from these newfound issues have fueled our love and passion for professional wrestling and I'm sure that the industry will improve more on its environment in the foreseeable future to be able to overcome beyond its problems both inside and outside.
