Jim Cornette Discusses The Sexual Misconduct Allegations Made Against He And His Wife

As noted, the “Speaking Out” movement trending worldwide encourages people to use social media and online platforms to open up about physical and emotional abuse they have experienced. Indie wrestler Phil Earley used the platform to make several accusations against Jim Cornette and his wife Stacey, going back to when Cornette ran Ohio Valley Wrestling when it was a WWE developmental territory.

Earley describes the alleged grooming process that Stacey and Jim put him and others through during their time at OVW. During the most recent edition of his Jim Cornette Drive Thru Podcast, Cornette discusses the allegations directly and details all the instances where the allegations were apparently false.

“I have never asked the commissioner or representative of the commission to the state of Kentucky to test, fine, suspend, harass, cuss out, or in other ways mistreat anybody, or do any favors for anybody in OVW or any other company,” Jim started. “You hear all these outlaws here, ‘Aw, they called the commission and you bury us.’ I’ve applauded him a few times fining or suspending these promotions sometimes, but I’ve never asked him to do it. And if it ever came to needing a sworn statement from a government official to that fact, he would be more than happy to provide one.

“I have never offered any wrestler, male or female, preferential treatment, a job, a contract, a push, or anything else related to their employment or threatened the opposite if they would or would not engage in ribbled relations with me or my wife,” Cornette continued. “No ‘quid pro quo’, ‘no tit for tat’, as they say… No female wrestler that I ever worked with in Ohio Valley Wrestling, or anywhere else to my recollection, has ever said that I talked to them or treated them improperly, except when critiquing their matches or performance of same, but treated them improperly or with any personal or language or actions of that description.”

Cornette continued on, admitting that he has physically abused men in the past but he has never sexually abused anyone. He also specified that anybody who has been involved with him or his wife sexually has always been aware of it and pleased with the experience.

“I have not been involved with anyone under legal age. I have not physically abused anybod- well, I’ve physically abused some men by the strict definition of that term,” Jim admitted. “I have hit many f–king men over the head with a tennis racket… But not [abuse] in a sexual way. Okay, there’s categorical. I haven’t abused any men in a sexual way and I haven’t physically abused any women.

“I have never sent inappropriate pics, texts, sexts, or whatever to anybody cause I’ve never sent a damn text to anybody,” Jim continued. “I’ve never done that on Facebook for the same reason. I have never slept in the same bed with a woman and not had sex with them and it wasn’t a surprise to anybody that was involved with it when it happened. And I didn’t know that people just did that like it’s the f–king Brady Bunch. Oh, come on over. Let’s hang out, let’s have a sleep over. We’re grown adults but we – Oh, I don’t understand. Nobody that I’ve ever known in the biblical sense has been forced or coerced in anyway to be there and all seemed happy to take part and happy when it was over it, you can take that as you will.”

Cornette clarified that nothing of the sexual nature that has been brought up has upset Stacey because she was already aware of their lifestyle. He recalls 5-6 people from the pro wrestling world that have actually made it into their hot tub.

“I’m not being accused of cheating by my spouse or significant other because whenever that’s happened she’s either known about it or been there when it took place. But my own wife is not mad at me for anything,” Jim explained. “So apparently that just leaves, when you take all those other things out, fun? That’s what you’re left over with is just fun? Day-off personal time amongst friends. Fun? Isn’t everybody supposed to have their fun? There’s about 5 or 6 individuals on the AEW roster I could question about ‘fun’!

“I ain’t joking with you, from the professionals in the wrestling industry that have been in our hot tub that we’ve had for fifteen years, I’d say 5-6 tops. And I don’t remember any of them being contracted at the time to any major organizations,” Jim continued. “That’s what I’m saying – if you take out the manipulating people’s jobs accusation, which we’ve just basically drawn and quartered, as they say, and illustrated it was f–king caca. What you’ve got left is I’ve been charged with having an interesting sex life.”

Lastly, Jim noted that pictures of Stacey’s backside used as poof for the accusations are not a rarity. He explained that they are actually quite common and he has taken hundreds of photos of her from behind.

“Pictures of Stacey’s ass are not uncommon,” Jim explained. “She is proud of it and rightfully so! I have taken hundreds of pictures of that ass over the years in many different locations. She doesn’t just send them out unsolicited.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Cornette Denies Recent Allegations, ‘I’ve Been Charged With Having An Interesting Sex Life’

Jim Cornette has denied coercing talent in OVW to engage in sexual activities with his wife to protect their careers … saying the only thing he’s guilty of is having an interesting sex life.

On the latest episode of Cornette’s Drive-Thru podcast, the promoter strongly denies the accusations made by Independent wrestler Phil Earley – who claims Jim’s wife Stacey attempted to groom him early in his career by sending unwanted lewd photos and harassing messages.

“I have never offered any wrestler, male or female, preferential treatment, a job, a contract, a push, or anything else related to their employment or threatened the opposite if they would or would not engage in ribbled relations with me or my wife,” Cornette said on his show. “No female wrestler that I ever worked with in Ohio Valley Wrestling, or anywhere else, to my recollection, has ever said that I talked to them or treated them improperly, except when critiquing their matches or performance of same, but treated them improperly or with any personal or language or actions of that description. I have not been involved with anyone under legal age.”

“I have never sent inappropriate pics, texts, sexts, or whatever to anybody cause I’ve never sent a damn text to anybody. I’ve never done that on Facebook for the same reason. I have never slept in the same bed with a woman and not had sex with them and it wasn’t a surprise to anybody that was involved with it when it happened,” he continued. “Nobody that I’ve ever known in the biblical sense has been forced or coerced in anyway to be there and all seemed happy to take part and happy when it was over it, you can take that as you will.”

“I’m not being accused of cheating by my spouse or significant other because whenever that’s happened she’s either known about it or been there when it took place. But my own wife is not mad at me for anything. So apparently that just leaves, when you take all those other things out, fun?!? That’s what you’re left over with is just fun?! Day-off personal time amongst friends. Fun?! Isn’t everybody supposed to have their fun?”

Cornette then claims that only 5-6 people in the wrestling industry have been in his hot tub.

“If you take out the manipulating people’s jobs accusation, which we’ve just basically drawn and quartered, as as they say, and illustrated it was f*cking caca. What you’ve got left is I’ve been charged with having an interesting sex life.”

Regarding pictures of his wife’s butt which were shown as proof, Jim says Stacey is proud of her butt and likes to show it off. “Pictures of Stacey’s ass are not uncommon,” he explained. “She is proud of it and rightfully so! I have taken hundreds of pictures of that ass over the years in many different locations. She doesn’t just send them out unsolicited.”

Cornette then claims he and his wife barely know the person who made the allegations against them, but that the wrestler was in proximity of friends to the person his wife was angry with. That’s why, Jim claims, his wife went off about the person via Facebook after a few cocktails.

Listen to Cornette’s response below.

 

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Promotions Sever Ties With Talent Following #SpeakingOut, WWE Stars Encourage Movement

The #SpeakingOut movement has been growing on social media over the past 24 hours as many women have been discussing past experiences with abuse and assault in the industry.

Many independent promotions cut ties with David Starr earlier this week after a woman alleged that Starr sexually assaulted and abused her. Starr is being stripped of titles that he held in RevPro U.K., OTT, TNT Extreme and Ultimate Pro Wrestling.

Starr denied accusations that he was a sexual predator, although admitted that he was “an awful partner.” Starr said that he’s fine if this is the end of wrestling for him, adding, “No matter what I say, I’m the bad guy. No pity party. It is what it is.”

Starr has since deactivated his social media accounts.

Accusations have since surfaced online against talent in WWE, AEW, Impact and ROH, as well as wrestling legends and a top NWA executive. There will clearly be a lot more on these stories in the coming days and weeks.

WWE already issued a statement regarding an accusation from a woman who claimed that WWE NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin abused her. She posted photos on her Twitter of bruises on her body which she alleged were caused by Devlin, which she since deleted. WWE’s statement read, “We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter.”

British Wrestling Revolution noted that they removed a member of their roster weeks ago due to an accusation of inappropriate behavior. They are not releasing the name “out of respect to the wishes of the victim.”

Black Label Pro announced that they are severing all ties with Johnathan Wolf after a woman claimed that he had verbally and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

Jim Cornette’s attorney, Steve New, indicated that they would be taking legal action regarding some serious allegations made against Cornette and his wife.

A number of people in the industry have commented on the movement. Paige wrote, “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”

Big E also commented on the movement, writing, “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.”

There were many other comments from stars in WWE, AEW, Impact and other promotions, you can see some of the reactions below:

https://twitter.com/WWEBigE/status/1273742032691920897

https://twitter.com/Kay_Lee_Ray/status/1273736708681617409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273736708681617409&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1273853107164770304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273853107164770304&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/MiaYim/status/1273863076329160705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273863076329160705&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/PeteDunneYxB/status/1273679714645917701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273679714645917701&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/PeteDunneYxB/status/1273922222244139008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273922222244139008&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/SwoleWorld/status/1273775117080973313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273775117080973313&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/tuckerwwe/status/1273786931160080385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273786931160080385&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/Shazza_McKenzie/status/1273875731177594880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273875731177594880&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/Sienna/status/1273736086012014598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273736086012014598&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/RealKeithLee/status/1273797945276747778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273797945276747778&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AXS TV And WOW-Women of Wrestling Are No Longer Working Together

Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that they have confirmed AXS TV and WOW-Women of Wrestling are no longer working together, as the network plans to give their full attention to Impact Wrestling.

Pro Sports Extra first reported the split between the two sides.

Pro Wrestling Sheet reached out to AXS TV about the report and were told the network is now focusing full time on IMPACT Wrestling, while WOW is exploring other distribution opportunities. We’re also told a WOW distribution announcement is expected after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

As you may recall, Anthem Sports and Entertainment (the company who owns Impact) acquired a majority interest in AXS TV in September of last year. At the time, the network was airing NJPW content and WOW. Impact then moved networks after the acquisition and months later New Japan’s relationship with AXS TV ended.

WOW-Women of Wrestling is made by David McLane, founder of the original GLOW “Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling,” and Los Angeles Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss. The first season of the show on AXS TV premiered in 2018 and received a 24-episode pickup early on due to the response it received from wrestling fans. The second season of the show ran from September-November of 2019.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Wrestling Legend “Mr. Wrestling II” Johnny Walker Passes Away

The legendary “Mr. Wrestling II” Johnny Walker has passed away at the age of 85.

The Cauliflower Alley Club announced on Twitter this morning that Walker passed away on Tuesday in Hawaii, where he lived.

Walker, who worked for WWE from 1984-1986 as his career was winding down, held numerous titles across the NWA, Deep South Wrestling, Championship Wrestling From Florida, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and others. He was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2012, the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014, and the WCW Hall of Fame in 1993.

Below are statements on Walker from AEW, the CAC and the NWA:

https://twitter.com/CACReunion/status/1270713587946778625

https://twitter.com/nwa/status/1270694443541299205

https://twitter.com/AEWrestling/status/1270739249479012352

https://twitter.com/HighspotsWN/status/1270713730116931586

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 5/11/20

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the closed-set Performance Center in Orlando, Florida with fallout from last night’s WWE Money In the Bank pay-per-view.

Becky Lynch Reportedly Lands Role In Upcoming Marvel Film

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, according to Kris Tapley from Netflix’s The Call Sheet.

Tapley didn’t reveal which Marvel film it will be.

He teased on Twitter, “Becky Lynch grabbing Hollywood’s eye. (Psst: She’s also in a certain upcoming Marvel movie…)”

Becky appeared on Showtime’s season 5 premiere of Billions.

Becky Lynch is reportedly going to be featured in a major national women’s magazine soon.

Below you can see the announcement:

https://twitter.com/kristapley/status/1256632750230011904

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Denies Friday’s SmackDown Is Being Moved To Performance Center Due To Coronavirus, The Latest On The Virus, Pro Wrestling

WWE issued a statement denying that Friday’s SmackDown has been moved from the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan to the WWE Performance Center due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

It was reported on Wednesday night, that Friday’s WWE TV tapings were being nixed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In an update, WWE issued a statement late tonight and denied that SmackDown in Detroit was being cancelled. They did say that they are putting contingency plans in place for upcoming shows.

The following statement was issued to ESPN:

“WWE has not cancelled Friday Night SmackDown in Detroit, however, based on the current situation, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues.”

Stay tuned for updates on the situation. You can click here for news on President Trump’s 30-day travel ban that will impact WrestleMania 36 visitors, and click here for news on a potential major WrestleMania 36 coronavirus announcement that could come on Thursday afternoon. You can also click here to see what Sheamus and Sasha Banks had to say about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Below is information about the Coronavirus pandemic and the status of pro wrestling and MMA shows across the world from Wrestling Observer Radio

Matt Hardy Says Today Is The Day It Ends & Begins, Matt On Jeff Hardy’s Return To WWE SmackDown

The speculation on Matt Hardy’s post-WWE future continues.

Hardy took to Twitter today and said today is the day, for something.

“Today is the day it ends. Today is the day it begins,” he wrote.

There’s still no word yet on if Matt will end up with AEW or some other promotion now that he’s a free agent from WWE, but we may have a better idea after he releases part 2 of the “Free The Delete” series finale later this afternoon. There’s already speculation on his latest tweet being related to a possible debut on tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode.

https://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND/status/1237733799485677569

 

https://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND/status/1237409952748224513

Below are Matt’s comments on brother Jeff Hardy’s return to SmackDown on FOX this Friday, along with a teaser and outtake from today’s episode, and promotional tweets on some of Matt’s upcoming post-WWE appearances, including his “Broken Tailgate Party” at WrestleCon during WrestleMania 36 Weekend:

https://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND/status/1237248265889943553

https://twitter.com/RebyHardy/status/1237558670679920640

https://twitter.com/wrestlecon/status/1237500286953979905

https://twitter.com/fswvegas/status/1236722854554550272

https://twitter.com/PPSCLV/status/1237176031154278400

 

 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW And AJPW Cancel More Shows Due To The Coronavirus Outbreak

In response to the novel Coronavirus outbreak, NJPW and AJPW have announced that they will be cancelling their events scheduled between March 16 through March 21 and March 14 through March 22 respectively. New Japan’s cancelled dates will result in the cancellation of the New Japan Cup tour.

New Japan had previously cancelled the first half of the New Japan Cup tour earlier this month. Many other promotions in Japan have announced cancellations of events earlier this month as well in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan.

Stardom recently held a show called “No People Gate” in response to the events they cancelled. They also announced recently that they will be canceling more shows. This was an empty arena show held in Korakuen Hall and was broadcast live on YouTube for free.

New Japan have been releasing videos for their NJPW Together Project on NJPW World in replacement for the cancelled shows. New Japan’s next big show is Sakura Genesis. The show is scheduled for March 31, and in their official statement, New Japan has stated that they will be making an announcement in regards to the status of future shows.

In their statement, they said, “We apologize to fans who were looking forward to the remainder of the New Japan Cup. Ultimately, the health and safety of our fans, wrestlers and staff, as well as society at large is our utmost concern, and we will make announcements about events scheduled after March 22 upon careful monitoring of this developing situation.”

https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1237288925745446913

https://twitter.com/alljapan_pw/status/1237267546367094784

Source: Wrestling Inc.