DISCLAIMER: The following is quite long. Sorry about that — I have a lot to say on this topic. Additionally, the following message does not reflect the attitudes and beliefs of WrestleZone.com, the other writers associated with the site, or its parent company, CraveOnline. They are MY opinions only and are meant for entertainment and discussional purposes only. Bye.
This isn't about me. Not specifically, anyway. I know what I've done in pro wrestling media over the past ten years. It's enough that I'm proud of it; it's less than what I would like to do before my time is up.
The following is what I consider to be a fair, honest look at the unbelievable challenges we face everyday as wrestling reporters, journalists, columinsts, etc. It's based on my experience only, and although it won't keep the haters from hating, it will hopefully give you a better understanding of why it's IMPOSSIBLE for us to get it right, everytime.
I've been wanting to write this column for a while. I just wanted to find the right time. I believe I have, and it's now.
THE BACKSTORY
CM Punk recently called the dirt sheets "morons". It's not the first time we've been called that (or worse), and it won't be the last. This time, it was about something WrestleZone.com specifically reported, inaccurately, although we had no way of knowing that at the time.
WZ had received an email with picture attachments of two tweets "apparently" made by current WWE Champion, CM Punk. The emailer said that Punk made the comments and they were quickly taken down, but not until AFTER he took snapshots of the tweets.
The comments were about Punk not looking forward to the No Way Out PPV weekend, disagreeing with his boss, and wondering why fans still watch them sometimes. They weren't a stretch. They weren't out of the ordinary when you look at things Punk has said in the past. They looked legit.
WZ's Mike Killam made the conscious decision to post them.
It didn't take long for Punk to receive word — it never does — and he denied the tweets, demanding an apology in the process. Fair enough. We investigated, found out we were wrong, retracted and apologized.
It wasn't enough for some people, but those people can get over it. It's not the first time a dirt sheet got it wrong, and again, it won't be the last. I believe WZ followed the rules of reporting, from start to finish, to the best of their ability.
This isn't my attempt to defend Mike Killam or WrestleZone in this one, particular example. However, this one, particular example demonstrates a lot of what's wrong with the pro wrestling business and the superstars involved in it as it relates to the media and the individuals involved in it.
