It’s been roughly 48 hours since a woman sharing her story of being abused by David Starr kicked off the #SpeakingOut movement within the wrestling community.
Many prominent performers from WWE, AEW, Impact, Ring of Honor and elsewhere have been tweeting their support of those who are speaking out, and the effort to make wrestling safer for all involved in it.
I’m only just catching up properly with social media and wow. Seeing so many of you speaking out against these disgusting humans makes me so sad to see your experiences but proud of you for telling your story. Keep using your voice. We love you and have your back ❤️ #SpeakingOut
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) June 19, 2020
I truly admire those who are sharing their stories. All in hopes that it will help someone who may have similar experiences and to prevent these things from ever happening in our industry again. We’re here for you. My heart is with you all. #SpeakingOut
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) June 19, 2020
Keep #SpeakingOut I have your backs I love you all and we will not tolerate this behavior ever.
— Daddy Deville (@SonyaDevilleWWE) June 19, 2020
Proud of everyone #SpeakingOut right now. You are all SO brave & you have my undivided support. I applaud & empathize with you.
— Peyton Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) June 19, 2020
The world NEEDS to do better. Treat people like human beings! With love, kindness, decency & support.
I pray our industry is swiftly rid of all these predators & abusers. To everyone brave enough to tell their story, I’m so sorry you had to endure this. #SpeakingOut
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) June 18, 2020
You don’t have to share your pain. But if you do, realize how incredibly brave you are. Sharing your pain may prevent someone from experiencing that same pain. My heart is with you. #SpeakingOut
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) June 19, 2020
The things I have read today have made me sick to my stomach.
— TUCKy (@tuckerwwe) June 19, 2020
To anyone Speaking Out I’m sorry you had to go through these things, thank you for your courage.
To my colleagues, if you ever need a confidant at work it would be my honor.
Sex abuse needs to end.#SpeakingOut
I was lucky enough to have my story heard years ago. Now, it’s your turn. Proud of the women & men coming forward. You are heard. #SpeakingOut
— The HBIC (@MiaYim) June 19, 2020
*sigh*
— Hopeful Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 19, 2020
.
Wrestling world....
.
We absolutely MUST do better. Period.
.
We have enough trash going on in the world right now.
Sorry I've not been very vocal today. This is a hard one. To everyone #SpeakingOut I'm proud of you and I love you ❤
— KayLeeRay ケイ・リー・レイ (@Kay_Lee_Ray) June 18, 2020
I’m disgusted by what I’m reading.
— Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) June 18, 2020
Well done to those speaking out. I really hope we can make British wrestling a better place and keep everyone safe.
This is a huge eye opener and let’s hope it will force a big change.
And people wonder why I left ♀️2019 took every bit of love that I had for wrestling away. It's not getting any better now reading the #SpeakingOut stories. Just sad!
— Alpha Female (@Jazzy_Gabert) June 18, 2020
#SpeakingOut is hard to do and I applaud each and every one who shared their truth. We are survivors and there is strength in overcoming turmoil. I pray you all usher in a peace that surpasses all understanding! Much love
— Big Swole (@SwoleWorld) June 19, 2020
I’ve been in the wrestling business since I was 18. I, like so many others, have been in situations where I felt I had no voice and was forced to bury it so deep that I never have to think about it again. #SpeakingOut
— The Bunny (@AllieWrestling) June 19, 2020
For anyone wondering why it’s so hard for women to speak out, they run the risk of not getting booked again, being accused of lying, the situation being down played, being made to look crazy, etc etc. #SpeakingOut
— The Bunny (@AllieWrestling) June 19, 2020
I’m seeing a heartbreaking explosion on twitter right now. Just know if you need to talk or just a friend, I’m there. I want to hug every single one of you. Love you all #SpeakingOut
— Leva Bates (@wrestlingleva) June 18, 2020
It’s taken me a day to read through the sickening things have been going on in the shadows. Change is needed to eradicate this culture that has infested the business. I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve had to endure.
— Kip Sabian (@TheKipSabian) June 19, 2020
Keep #SpeakingOut, be brave ladies and gents. We support you.
If you see or encounter something speak up,
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) June 19, 2020
Whether it be anonymously or with someone you trust. Make the wrestling business a better place for the future! #SpeakingOut pic.twitter.com/kzNfWjvrhi
I applaud those courageous enough to speak out about their abuse. Our profession has never been kind to those who do. This behavior needs to stop. Pro Wrestling should be a safe space for everyone. #SpeakingOut
— EVIL UNO of the DARK ORDER (@EvilUno) June 19, 2020
I was taught at the time to ignore the dark side of wrestling, to grow thick skin. As a teenager, I didn't understand the severity of it all. MANY have had it much worse than I. Listen to their stories. We can be better. #SpeakingOut
— EVIL UNO of the DARK ORDER (@EvilUno) June 19, 2020
Their stories are not about making YOU comfortable.
— SUGE (but they call me) Pineapple Pete (@SugarDunkerton) June 19, 2020
Let them talk.#SpeakingOut
THIS. The amount of untold stories, typed & then deleted. As I could imagine for so many others as well.
— KYLIE RAE (@IamKylieRae) June 19, 2020
It’s okay to not be ready. So much love and respect for those who are #SpeakingOut https://t.co/mkNSEJcTmT
This seems like a great time to remind people that telling someone they should’ve come out with their story when it happened is not acceptable. In our world, there have been more consequences for the people #SpeakingOut than the actual offenders. That needs to change.
— Allysin Kay (@Sienna) June 18, 2020
Also, seeing so many ppl share difficult stories the past few days may be triggering to those who also have stories they’re still not ready to share.
— Allysin Kay (@Sienna) June 18, 2020
Remember, you are not obligated to come forward publicly. I encourage speaking w/ someone you trust, but YOU own that that story.
For each time I sought help or support and was ignored. For each time I told the truth and was met with threats and retaliation. For each liar who got ahead of the narrative.
— Kelly Klein (@RealKellyKlein) June 19, 2020
For each person saved from abuse because we found a way to raise our voices together.#SpeakingOut
It’s not about “cancelling” people.
— Shazza McKenzie (@Shazza_McKenzie) June 19, 2020
We just don’t want to be sexually assaulted, abused manipulated and violated for choosing to be in wrestling.#SpeakingOut
Stories secret for years finally coming out. Sexually abused, harassed, played, raped... Names being called out. It's not easy. Bravo to the amazing strong ladies taking a stand today! Our business is so sick though, it is heartbreaking. #SpeakingOut
— LuFisto (@LuFisto) June 18, 2020