After the 2014 celebrity nude leaked photo scandal it seemed only a matter of time before other entertainment and sports figures would be subjected to having their private moments stolen and made available to the world. The fact that the next wave of photos to be released would involve professional wrestling caught some by surprise while others were incredulous it had not happened sooner.
"There are photos and videos that are worse than what has been seen," said former wrestling manager 'The Worm.' "I personally saw a lot more and things far beyond what Paige did."
WWE Diva Paige (Saraya-Jade Bevis), whose mother and father both were professional wrestlers, had nude photos and Sexually Explicit videos of her and fellow current and former WWE wrestlers "leaked" on the internet by a number of websites known to sensationalize celebrity scandal.
The effects the scandal had on Paige was far reaching leading her to reveal on Twitter “I had days [where] I wanted to physically harm myself."
Former WWE Diva and bodybuilder Kaitlyn (Celeste Bonin) along with former LFL Ladies Football player Summer Rae, former TNA Knockouts Champion Victoria (Lisa Marie Varon) and Maria Kanellis also had private photos made available across numerous websites.
Reactions vary within wrestling industry
Though professional wrestling has evolved from a protect the business at all costs mindset to a more relaxed aspect it is still a very tight knit community. The WWE has yet to acknowledge or release a statement concerning the leak although there reportedly was a meeting with talent prior to a recent TV taping to discuss what happened.
The WWE has determined there would be no repercussions for Paige within the WWE. Even though there is a number of wrestlers who are supportive of Paige, there are some who have a different way of thinking.
"I don't get it, did everyone involved forget what a camera does, what it's used for?" Said veteran Ox Baker Jr.
Hardcore wrestling legend MadMan Pondo added, "I get it, I'm a guy too.
Pictures of nude celebs are more interesting than seeing your neighbor walk half dressed across her window. Fact of the matter is, jobs and personal lives are getting ruined. The people sharing the pictures and videos are forgetting how its affecting people in there everyday life" (SIC)
"Did i look at the pictures? hell yes I did.
Did I share them? Not a chance. I currently have nudes of a girl hired by NXT. They were sent for my eyes only. No matter how I feel about that person now, I'm not about to mess her life up by sending discriminating material of her. People need to get a life," Pondo continued.
Another leak rumored
In the wake of this scandal are rumors of another round of photos and videos being released of more within the wrestling world. While no names have been "officially" announced it is safe to say many in wrestling are concerned.
The WWE is no stranger to this type of scandal involving its superstars with Joanie "Chyna" Laurer had a sex tape she made with Sean "X-Pac" Waltman released before going on to perform in a number of adult videos for Vivid Entertainment.
Tammy "Sunny" Sytch, considered to be the "First Lady of Wrestling" also starred in a video for Vivid and current WWE Diva Mickie James posed in a number of sexually explicit photos before joining the WWE.
Photo scandals involving celebrities do not seem to get the same attention as those involving former wives, girlfriends or significant others. Many states have laws specific to "revenge porn" and a number of people have been prosecuted for posting explicit photos including website owners who host the images and videos. Authorities would appear to be at a disadvantage when it comes to finding the source of celebrities stolen photos and prosecution is often complicated if the perpetrator is overseas.
Regardless of the reason behind providing private photos, videos and moments of celebrities, the outrage along with the pain it causes, is real.
"These may be private videos/photos but the video end of it is very disturbing and unprofessional," said wrestling veteran "Big Dave."
Kacee Carlisle, who has held a number of ladies championships and is regarded as one of the best on the independent scene added, "No matter who is involved, the point in time something took place or the reasons/circumstances surrounding it, any person's privacy being ignored, disrespected, invaded and exploited is shameful and pathetic. How many people have to suffer because of the internet and the cowards behind the keyboard. Or how many men and women fell into the same trap as me and made those mistakes?” Paige said.
