Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is getting heat on Twitter from fans and several current and former WWE Superstars after Peyton Royce’s reaction to hearing Meltzer’s comments on her on a recent audio show.
Meltzer talked about being a fan of the IIconics when they were in NXT and noted that he felt she was more attractive in NXT before her “transformation,” a reference to plastic surgery that she was rumored to get in January. He also noted that she was “lighter” in NXT. It appeared to be a reference to her not having breast implants in NXT but many people on Twitter assumed he was talking about her weight.
Royce wrote, “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.”
You can see the responses from several current and former WWE Superstars in the tweets below and scroll down for Meltzer’s apology.
https://twitter.com/PeytonRoyceWWE/status/1029775450044866566
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 Paquette (@ReneePaquette) August 15, 2018
I’m sorry. But this makes me sick. https://t.co/2khtHFgH1A
— THE GLAMAZON (@TheBethPhoenix) August 15, 2018
@PeytonRoyceWWE you are smart, beautiful, funny, caring, talented and so much more….. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ love you woman
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) 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
— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) August 15, 2018
-6 stars, Dave.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) August 15, 2018
There’s a way to genuinely apologize to someone and then there’s a way to pass the buck trying to redirect blame because you got called out. Own up to your words. YOU’RE the one who said them.
— Breeze (@MmmGorgeous) August 15, 2018
You’re extremely talented and beautiful inside and out!! We all know it! ❤️
— Tenille Dashwood (@TenilleDashwood) August 15, 2018
You’re beautiful @PeytonRoyceWWE . Rise up and shine brighter. Keep on keepin on and do your thing, because you are a true lady and superstar.
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) August 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/KillianDain/status/1029864551754424327
I’m not sorry. It infuriates me when women are torn down. Especially by some wanna be supposed wrestling journalist parasite. @PeytonRoyceWWE you’re awesome! https://t.co/xaSGruNhM9
— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) August 15, 2018
.@PeytonRoyceWWE is amazingly talented and beautiful in every way! She, or any of our female athletes, should never have to deal with this kind of trash. https://t.co/ztVzi8Fvty
— Levis (@LevyValenz) August 15, 2018
This sheep’s opinion means nothing. You are a stunning woman, inside and out! Keep shining @PeytonRoyceWWE because all he’s trying to do is catch some of that light to be relevant. 😘😘😘 https://t.co/wtwWe8BKJN
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) August 15, 2018
This is unacceptable on so many levels. How dare you say that someone is more attractive when they are ‘lighter’. You have no idea how stupid comments like this can affect someone for life.
@PeytonRoyceWWE is PERFECT just the way she is. A strong & beautiful WOMAN! https://t.co/1FDakcolpf— Jessica McKay (@JessicaMcKay) August 15, 2018
Meltzer’s apology:
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
Again to everyone, I do want to apologize and I'm glad Peyton Royce sent her tweet because there was a valuable point there that we can all learn from.
— 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
Over the years, Meltzer has been outspoken about the way women have been treated in the wrestling business including WWE’s focus on hiring women (in the mid 2000’s) primarily from calendar shoots, the portrayal of women in the Attitude Era and beyond (HLA angle as an example), the Greatest Royal Rumble show excluding women from Saudi Arabia and much more.
