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On an edition of The Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this week, pro-wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer made some comments in regards to Peyton Royce of the IIconics.
“They had a cool act in NXT, and on the main roster I don’t get a thing of them. Their promos are good, their wrestling isn’t particularly good. I do think Peyton Royce’s transformation to look more attractive….I don’t know”
“But that’s neither here not there”
“She was a lot lighter”
Listen to the full clip below:
The wrestling world seemingly didn’t take to kindly to Dave Meltzer’s remarks and a fury of backlash is now directed towards the founder of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
So what would you have me do Dave… starve myself? 🤯🤯🤯 This is how nightmares for young women start. The females in your life must be proud. https://t.co/8MNpZNsR7m
— Peyton Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) August 15, 2018
What a true piece of sweltering hot garbage. You’re an angel too good for this earth. He’d be lucky if you gave him the time of day. Which you would, because you’re also a great person. Love ya girl. Let’s set better examples
— Renee Young (@ReneeYoungWWE) August 15, 2018
If I may offer you some advice, FUCK THEM!!! The worthless critics who contribute nothing to our industry are given too much power by acknowledging them. SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND!
👊🏽@PeytonRoyceWWE— MVP (@The305MVP) August 15, 2018
Get him gurl! You are beautiful inside and out and always have been!!! Can’t believe that was even a topic of conversation. #IICONIC pic.twitter.com/iITzzIxPVz
— Ember Moon (@WWEEmberMoon) August 15, 2018
You’re extremely talented and beautiful inside and out!! We all know it! ❤️
— TENILLE DASHWOOD (@TenilleDashwood) August 15, 2018
@PeytonRoyceWWE you are smart, beautiful, funny, caring, talented and so much more….. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ love you woman
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) August 15, 2018
-6 stars, Dave.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) August 15, 2018
Dave Meltzer has since apologized for his comments
I’d like to apologize to you. You are an exceedingly attractive woman. I do realize the lengths and pressures on women in the entertainment world to maintain unnatural looks at times and am glad you pointed this out. https://t.co/qkgOrpVQOX
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) August 15, 2018
I would love to. That’s why I thanked her for the post and hope we can all learn from my mistake. But yes, it is my mistake, not passing any bucks, nor making any excuses for it. I’ve learned and hope others can learn from MY mistake. https://t.co/9en9ULA7Y0
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) August 15, 2018
Meltzer also made a statement on the Wrestling Observer message board
“I screwed up bad. Whether we want to admit it or not, there is a double standard when it comes to commenting on men and women’s bodies and in wrestling and my mentality of wanting to treat everyone the same didn’t take into account that women often starve themselves for looks which guys don’t, that what I said, and I think many do understand what I meant, was a subject I should have avoided and that I have learned from this mistake.
For those who defend me on this, thanks, and I know you understand I meant no harm, but it was still a mistake to learn from.”