With the recent influx of sexual assault and harassment allegations in Hollywood, politics, and other industries, it’s only a matter of time before the wrestling industry gets exposed.
Women have been sharing their stories with the #MeToo campaign on social media and now a former ring announcer is adding her voice.
Heather Lynn, who used to work for WWNLive promotions Shine, Evolve and FIP, took to Twitter to talk about sexual harassment that she endured during her time in the wrestling business.
She wrote:
“Oh the sexual harassment stories that could be told about the wrestling business. Some by me, I’m sure some by many others. I’ve been sexually harassed by promoters and wrestlers. Problem is no one ever believes us. Maybe one day I’ll speak up. #wrestling #sexualharassment”
Oh the sexual harassment stories that could be told about the wrestling business. Some by me, I'm sure some by many others. I've been sexually harassed by promoters and wrestlers. Problem is no one ever believes us. Maybe one day I'll speak up. #wrestling #sexualharassment
— Heather Lynn (@heatherlynn1024) November 29, 2017
“We used to have a name for hugs at a certain promotion I was at. They were called “_____-hugs” with the name of the promoter in the blank and he would give them to the girls, rubbing our lower backs and holding us real close. We all knew we were getting these hugs. 1/2?
“2/2 When the promoter found out I had a boyfriend, even though I never hid it, I just didn’t advertise it because of personal reasons, I got reprimanded for not telling the promoter even though nothing had ever happened between us, and I wasn’t used as much. #wrestling”
We used to have a name for hugs at a certain promotion I was at. They were called "_____-hugs" with the name of the promoter in the blank and he would give them to the girls, rubbing our lower backs and holding us real close. We all knew we were getting these hugs. 1/2
— Heather Lynn (@heatherlynn1024) November 29, 2017
2/2 When the promoter found out I had a boyfriend, even though I never hid it, I just didn't advertise it because of personal reasons, I got reprimanded for not telling the promoter even though nothing had ever happened between us, and I wasn't used as much. #wrestling
— Heather Lynn (@heatherlynn1024) November 29, 2017
She went on to say: “The reason I am speaking out now is because I no longer have anything to do with the business side of wrestling and I don’t need to worry about getting or losing bookings. Yes, I should have said something sooner, but it’s also scary because wrestling is very much a “boys club”
The reason I am speaking out now is because I no longer have anything to do with the business side of wrestling and I don't need to worry about getting or losing bookings. Yes, I should have said something sooner, but it's also scary because wrestling is very much a "boys club"
— Heather Lynn (@heatherlynn1024) November 30, 2017
She didn’t name her assailants but clarified that it wasn’t Gabe Sapolsky, Dave Prazak, or Rob Naylor.
Would it help to know that this promoter is somewhat connected to a major fed? Probably not. https://t.co/NGu718zzD2
— Heather Lynn (@heatherlynn1024) November 29, 2017
Should I go into when the other "partner" would ask me for an "OTPHJ", which stands for an "over the pants hand job"?? That's how he would ask for it, and often. No thanks. https://t.co/si5sDR1Ql6
— Heather Lynn (@heatherlynn1024) November 30, 2017
In addition to Heather’s story, Emily Read, Pro Wrestling Eve promotor shared her own reflection on sexual harassment and assault in the industry:
She wrote: “Having a nostalgic look back on my time in wrestling; like when I was training and learned not to fall asleep on the road when my friend told me in frightened whispers that she’d fallen asleep on the way back from a show & a male wrestler fingered her in her sleep.”
Having a nostalgic look back on my time in wrestling; like when I was training and learned not to fall asleep on the road when my friend told me in frightened whispers that she'd fallen asleep on the way back from a show & a male wrestler fingered her in her sleep
— Emily's Reading The Hogfather ????? (@EmilyReadEVE) November 30, 2017
British indy wrestler Pollyanna also made cryptic statements on social media about her own experience with sexual assault in the industry:
“They have no issue sharing a locker room with someone who would do that,” the tweet storm begins, which seems to be referring to a past crime. Pollyanna only recently returned to wrestling after quitting in 2016. Before her retirement, she wrestled in Impact Pro Wrestling: UK, Pro Wrestling Eve, and Progress Wrestling. She was also the inaugural Plex Wrestling Women’s Champion, a title she held for 480 days.
Only a handful of people know the details, but they have no issue sharing a locker room with someone who would do that. There is little to no moral standing in this business, not when it comes to the cash in your pocket.
— Pollyanna (@GothicLolly) November 13, 2017
No I’m not ok. I’m far from it. I’m angry at myself and I’m angry at him being back. I’m angry at the people sharing the locker room with him. And I’m angry at the promotion when I made it clear I would never work where he was when I last spoke to them.
— Pollyanna (@GothicLolly) November 13, 2017
Can’t again mention names to some of the people who have been helping me the past few days as I know he would message them to call me a liar. But thank you, the words of advice and just saying you believe me, that helps me more than you could ever know.
— Pollyanna (@GothicLolly) November 16, 2017
I should have said something so much earlier, I know, but I didn’t. But when I saw he was back, I don’t know what it triggered in me but I was in tears calling my parents and friends in a state and I couldn’t stop myself tweeting. I was a mess and I could not accept it. I refuse.
— Pollyanna (@GothicLolly) November 17, 2017
I thought honestly I had not told anyone at the time it happened, but one of my friends just told me that I had told her around the time it happened. I’m so happy, I did tell someone. I did.
— Pollyanna (@GothicLolly) November 16, 2017
In the past Shelly Martinez spoke up about her own experience with sexual assault in the business.
In the 1990s Sable came forward with her own allegations during a lawsuit against the WWE, citing allegations of sexual harassment and unsafe working conditions. According to court documents, “Men would routinely walk into the women’s dressing room as if by accident; men would cut holes in the walls to watch the women dressing; extras were hired as WWF regulars to expose their breasts, big nipple contests were engaged in; men regularly bragged about their sexual encounters without regard to the women present.”
The matter was settled out of court.
In addition to Sable, the first female WWE referee, Rita Chatterton also accused WWE of creating a hostile work environment for women. She accused Vince McMahon of rape on an old TV show titled “Now It Can Be Told,” with Geraldo Rivera, the old show was eventually cancelled and then Geraldo’s new show began in early to mid 90s. She again appeared on this show also and repeated the claims.
This led to a bunch of lawsuits between the McMahons and Chatterton and the matter was eventually settled.
What do you think about this? Sound off in the comments below.
