On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez were discussing the difference between the IIconics’ NXT and main roster runs. While, initially, Meltzer criticized their time on Smackdown Live, stating that their promos and matches haven’t been as engaging as they were back on the Yellow Brand, a comment about Peyton Royce’s looks put him in hot water with the wrestling community.
Is this normal stuff for a journalist to be talking about? Ever?
“She was more attractive in NXT” “She was a lot lighter.” pic.twitter.com/URfefHaFDu— Danny (@dajosc11) August 9, 2018
I think Peyton Royce’s transformation…to look more attractive..I don’t want to say. She looked more attractive in NXT. She was a lot lighter.
Alvarez clarified to the listeners that they weren’t saying she’s unattractive. However, that didn’t stop the wrestling community from coming down hard on Meltzer, including Royce, who said that comments like these can negatively affect young women for years.
https://twitter.com/PeytonRoyceWWE/status/1029775450044866566
Royce’s co-workers, both past and present, and other members of the wrestling community quickly came to her defense.
-6 stars, Dave.
— Seth “Freakin’” Rollins (@WWERollins) 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 Paquette (@ReneePaquette) 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 All Elite (@AthenaPalmer_FG) August 15, 2018
You’re extremely talented and beautiful inside and out!! We all know it! ❤️
— Tenille Dashwood (@EmmaWWE) August 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/MadisonRayne/status/1029892524062769153
@PeytonRoyceWWE you are smart, beautiful, funny, caring, talented and so much more….. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ love you woman
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) August 15, 2018
I’m sorry. But this makes me sick. https://t.co/2khtHFgH1A
— THE GLAMAZON (@TheBethPhoenix) August 15, 2018
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
https://twitter.com/Sienna/status/1029883672294563841
Meltzer did apologize, saying that Royce is indeed attractive and that he understands the pressure women are under in the entertainment industry.
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
However, many wrestling personalities and fans didn’t feel the apology was authentic, such as Tyler Breeze, though he wanted to emphasize on the point that this is a learning experience for Dave Meltzer.
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
It’s not about me Dave, your voice carries weight, make it positive. https://t.co/GRNz9sXB49
— Breeze (@MmmGorgeous) August 15, 2018
U guys are losing sight on what’s important. Nothing being said is to chop someone else down. Be positive. If your voice has influence, build someone up. That’s all.
— Breeze (@MmmGorgeous) August 15, 2018
Peyton Royce, as of yet, hasn’t responded to Meltzer’s apology.