TNA Star Responds To Chris Jericho Defending Bill DeMott, Wrestlers Mock WWE Investigation
As noted earlier, former developmental talent Austin Matelson (f.k.a. Judas Devlin) spoke out against the WWE developmental program and trainer Bill DeMott in an interview last week with Joseph Duncan and Billy Blade of Vendetta Pro Radio 2K15. Draven accused DeMott of bullying, physical abuse and using offensive terms against talents. He also took to Reddit to post a transcript of a memo he sent to WWE officials Canyon Ceman, Dorothy Brill and Jane Geddes on March 11, 2013 detailing his issues with DeMott.
WWE responded to the allegations and released the following statement:
"WWE took the accusations made two years ago by Austin Matelson very seriously, conducted a full investigation and was unable to validate the claims. Regardless, WWE continues to reinforce policies and procedures to ensure a positive training environment."
As a result, #FireBillDeMott was trending on Twitter. Chris Jericho took to his Twitter to defend DeMott yesterday, writing, "@BillDeMott is a good friend & great trainer. If u can't handle it then quit. My training at #HartBrothers camp was 10,000 times worse!"
TNA star EC3, who worked in NXT for several years, responded to Jericho, tweeting, "I love/sacrificed for pro wrestling. A Hart can stretch me any day. A know nothing dips–t slapping me when I'm concussed is different."
Joey Ryan also responded to Jericho's tweet, stating, "I don't know that Jericho is condoning bullying, racism & homophobia but his tweet does suggest that the DeMott stories are likely all true."
Ryan also tweeted:
Please let WWE know that you don't tolerate bullying, homophobia or racism and neither should they. #FireBillDeMott pic.twitter.com/DbnmTgNVry
— Joey Ryan (@JoeyRyanOnline) March 4, 2015
Dolph Ziggler's brother Ryan Nemeth, who competed as Briley Pierce in WWE NXT, also commented on WWE's investigation into DeMott, writing, "In 2 years I have still not been questioned once about my part in that poor guy's letter. That is the opposite of a 'full investigation.')"
EC3 also parodied the investigation:
Apparently there have been some very SERIOUS and DAMNING allegations concerning "BULLYING" in wrestling.
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
That the use of homophobic/racial slurs, unnecessary/detrimental physical abuse, and using positions of power to threaten jobs is real.
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
I took these accusations made by @RockstarSpud very seriously.
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
I PERSONALLY conducted a full investigation into the claims that I bullied him, assaulted him, verbally abused him, shaved his friends head,
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
spit on him, etc. but was unable to validate these claims.
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
Regardless, I (as a Carter) continue to reinforce policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all of TNA's talents.
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
But @RockstarSpud if you further want to discuss this I will see you Friday #DestinationIMPACT pic.twitter.com/PnozRfaIzV
? ec3? (@EthanCarterTNA) March 4, 2015
L.O.S. The Butcher contributed to this article.