Dave Crist‘s behavior was apparently problematic long before allegations about his behavior surfaced this weekend.
According to PWInsider.com, Dave Crist was on his way out of IMPACT Wrestling before allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced this week. It was noted that Crist’s departure was a “long time coming” and he was not allowed to dress in the locker room with other talent.
WrestleZone has learned more details on Crist’s status with the company and can confirm that he was not been allowed to change in the locker room for nearly five months. Additionally, multiple sources speaking with WrestleZone said Crist’s issues started with the IMPACT talent roster after he was responsible for Rich Swann’s injury in January and refused to issue an apology. One source noted that the decision to bar him from the locker room was a fairly unanimous decision.
Swann was injured in an 8-Man elimination match featuring oVe (Dave Crist, Jake Crist, Madman Fulton & Sami Callihan) against Swann, Brian Cage, Tessa Blanchard and Willie Mack at the IMPACT Wrestling / RCW Bash At The Brewery 2 event in San Antonio, Texas. It was stated that all Swann wanted was an apology, and when Dave refused there was a request by other IMPACT talents to have him fired.
Crist’s issues reportedly escalated from there, and he was allegedly becoming more isolated and had a number of complaints about his behavior, including some coming from his own recruits and other female wrestlers. Crist was accused of multiple accounts of sexual assault and misconduct this weekend, including by his ex-girlfriend Hannah Horror, who said he was abusive and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. Several other wrestlers have used #SpeakingOut to highlight his abusive and inappropriate behavior, including Allie Kat, Max The Impaler and Ziggy Haim, who said Crist sent unsolicited photos of his body and attempted to groom her.
Dave Crist has not publicly commented since the allegations against him were made public. Crist was a former co-host of the Wrestling With Sports podcast but the show issued a statement on the allegations noting that they “had parted ways with Dave very quietly several months ago” and will no longer be part of the show. In addition, Rockstar Pro Wrestling has since ended their affiliation with Crist’s OI4K Wrestling Academy and named Zachary Wentz as one of their new trainers.
IMPACT Wrestling issued the following statement on the allegations about several wrestlers but did not comment specifically about Crist or his status with the company.
“It is a core value of the Anthem organization that we conduct our business with respect and integrity, providing a safe and secure work environment for our employees and performers. We are following carefully the various allegations being made through social media, and are reviewing all incidents involving IMPACT Wrestling talent and personnel to determine an appropriate course of action.”
