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#1. Dave Meltzer's remarks hurt Peyton Royce more than you know
Renowned wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer found himself in hot water this past August after making remarks related to Peyton Royce's looks. In particular, Meltzer criticized Royce and then added that she was "lighter" in NXT. Meltzer has since apologized for those remarks, but the damage was already done.
While Royce refused to mention Meltzer by name, she told host Lilian Garcia,
"When that incident happened, I was going through a really tough time with self esteem and confidence with my image. Coming out to the main roster - there's such a light on you especially with social media. Everybody has so much access to give you their opinion....their comments would just hurt me so badly and I used to take it personally like these people knew me."
Royce admitted having difficulties transitioning from NXT to the main roster and the harsh criticisms she experienced from wrestling journalists and fans alike didn't help matters.
She opened up about her weight gain, "I hated that with myself and then to be called out online about it I felt like I let myself down. How could I do this to myself? It just gets to you."
She added, "Everything I put in my mouth, I felt people would be looking at me thinking, 'Should she really be eating that?'"
Royce acknowledges the gravity of Meltzer's remarks,
"This is what starts nightmares for young women. These ridiculous opinions put on you by someone who has no idea what it's like to be in our position, could not understand it, if they tried."
If there is a silver lining in any of it, Royce found that she had the full support of the WWE roster, who took to social media in her defense calling out Meltzer and other critics. While Royce acknowledges that she wishes the entire thing never happened, she is also grateful because the homesick Aussie felt like she found a loving family in WWE.
(Transcription Credit: Michael McClead, Sportskeeda)
Readers may listen to Lilian Garcia's interview with The IIconics in its entirety below:
