Pro wrestling may never have had a larger fan base, with the product being better than ever thanks to the myriad options available to fans in terms of promotions and types of wrestling. However, not everything about the industry screams success and peak physical performances, for there have been enough scandals to rock multiple boats across the years.
Many times, companies bury a controversy deep under the earth to keep their images squeaky clean and sponsors happy. A large organization like WWE, especially, will have suffered and silenced enough dissension that fans would have completely forgotten scandals, as seen below.
10 Randy Orton & Women
It has been no secret that Randy Orton was not the best of people when he was breaking through the ranks in WWE. As the son of a wrestling legend and someone born in the business, and with oodles of talents ensuring management's backing, the future legend killer was a problematic figure backstage.
This was especially true of his treatment of women if stories are to be believed, as The Viper has repeatedly been accused of hazing and bullying the opposite sex. While he is a beloved elder statesman today who acknowledges his troubled past, his employers try hard not to bring up the latter aspect too much.
9 Chyna's Acrimonious Exit
The late Chyna is a Hall of Fame headliner in her own rights, but her unpleasant departure from WWE has so far kept that from happening. Apparently, numerous issues popped up post a meeting with Vince McMahon, and she was faxed her letter of termination shortly after.
Chyna has claimed that her former boyfriend Triple H seeing Stephanie McMahon in real life led to these problems and her exit, while Jim Ross has mentioned that both parties agreed to a mutual separation. With the legendary performer no more, it is hard to tell what is the truth, and WWE's continued silence on the matter has ensured it has stayed that way.
8 Vince Harasses Tanning Salon Employee
There are many stories about Vince McMahon not being the perfect gentleman through the years. He has also been accused of sexual abuse and misbehavior several times, like when he allegedly tried to kiss and inappropriately touch a woman working at a Boca Raton, Florida, tanning salon in 2006.
The woman even alleged that he showed her lewd photos of himself on his cell phone. As expected, not much was done by law enforcement, and these incidents have died quiet deaths.
7 Jimmy Snuka Murder Case
This is another alleged instance of Vince McMahon doing whatever it takes to keep his beloved employees out of trouble. The 1983 death of Nancy Argentino saw Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka emerge as the prime accused, as his then-mistress was found with a fractured skull.
33 years later, there is still no clarity on who was responsible for such a horrific crime, as WWE has apparently continued to protect one of its top 1980s stars. The case may have reopened a few years ago, but Snuka's defense attorney claimed he is not mentally fit to stand trial, barely having any recollection of the incident. Snuka passed in 2017, so it's unlikely the case will ever have any resolution.
6 Dawn Marie's Pregnancy Termination
This is not the first time WWE is accused of such ungrateful and petty behavior - just ask CM Punk. But apparently, when Ruthless Aggression Diva Dawn Marie was on maternity leave and pregnant with her first child, she was sent her marching orders.
Dawn filed a complaint for wrongful termination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission a year later, claiming mental distress as a result of such an act. The case was settled out of court and is barely mentioned by anyone connected to Vince McMahon's empire.
5 Martha Hart's Lawsuit Against WWE
This one still hurts wrestling fans today, decades after Owen Hart's tragic passing in 1999. A lack of proper safety protocols were blamed for the Canadian's fall to his death, with his widow, Martha Hart, blaming the company for using a "makeshift contraption."
She took Vince McMahon & Co. to court, and they eventually settled for $18 million in November 2000. While Owen's death is looked back upon even today, the consequences his family and Martha had to face are not given enough spotlight.
4 Female Referee Accuses Vince
Former referee Rita Chatterton claimed in 1992 that she was making decent money, but had to appease Vince McMahon sexually to remain employed. Throughout the year, he was accused of covering up sexual crimes within WWE.
Rita also alleged that when she tried to reject Vince's advances during a meeting in 1986, he forced himself on her inside a limousine. She finally spoke out six years later, but the case was never pursued, and McMahon faced no action for a long time. However, in light of the recent accusations against McMahon, this case has found itself in the light once more.
3 Bruiser Brody's Death
One of the biggest whodunnit's in wrestling history is the death of the fearsome yet beloved Bruiser Brody. He was stabbed to death in 1988 during an altercation with wrestler Jose Gonzalez in the World Wrestling Council locker room in Puerto Rico.
Gonzalez claimed he acted in self-defense and was found not guilty by the jury in the country. However, Brody's death remains a mystery all these decades later, with many only discussing in hushed tones that it was all a cover-up.
2 Ring Boys Cry Foul
There have been many allegations by the ring crew that they have been repeatedly abused when working for WWE. 1992 saw former ring boy Tom Cole claim that multiple men were sexually harassing him, including Terry Garvin, then the company's Director of Wrestling Operations, announcer Mel Phillips, and Pat Patterson.
The three soon left the company and were vehemently supported by Vince McMahon throughout. Other members also complained about such abusive treatment, but nothing much came of their bravery, and it's all mostly forgotten today.
1 JBL & Bullying
One of the biggest reasons fans do not look back on JBL's career fondly is the constant allegations of his inappropriate backstage behavior. He has been accused of bullying many young stars in the locker room but has time and again faced no sanctions.
The Texan has been accused of hazing wrestlers, announcers, timekeepers, backstage staff, etc., but WWE has seemingly always chosen to turn a blind eye to these complaints. In fact, JBL was even honored with a Hall of Fame induction as a member of the Class of 2020, further prickling fans who want some action to be taken.