Wrestling reporter Daniel Pena wanted the space to attempt to clean up his name in regards to a recent controversial Chris Benoit/Victoria (Lisa Marie Varon) story that made some rounds on websites. Below is an explanation sent in by Pena to try and defend his actions.
"Greetings Wrestlezone, this is Daniel Pena, the individual being linked to the Victoria/Chris Benoit story.
According to an article posted on this very website on Sunday, it basically says I "confessed" to making up the vicious rumors regarding Victoria. However, if you look at the post, there is no actual message board post from me confessing to making up the Victoria/Benoit story. The guy simply said "I confessed" — with no actual proof. I did however say earlier in the thread that I was sent e-mails from a person claiming to be a relative of Johnny Grunge, which were "conveniently" left out by this individual. (Links to screenshots of the actual e-mails that were sent to me have been attached to this post and can be seen here and here).
The post was very much taken out of context as when I said "I’m a paying customer," it was regarding that very website, which is a premium website. I was responding to a previous post asking "why I wasn’t banned yet." I pay, so why should I be banned? And I can post anything I want — if it’s sourced or a person has a good case on why such and such is true. After posting news for nearly five years, I can usually detect if something’s true or not, but I was wrong this time and I am terribly sorry for that. Although, it is amusing to see Jenna Morasca, Jim Ross, Shad Gaspard, etc.. get worked up and go on rants about "The Internet" on stories attributed to the sourced sites. I see no point in making up stories as it’s counterproductive and I am not creative enough to concoct make-belief anyway. Posting factual news is why it’s all the more sweeter when something that is shocking and true is revealed, such as Umaga getting fired over violating the Wellness Policy and refusing to go to rehab.
I did not, I repeat, I did not make up the Victoria-Benoit story. I simply posted what was e-mailed to me and nothing more. The e-mail was sent to multiple sites and I presumed others would post it as well. I thought the person made a good case saying why his story was true in his follow-up e-mail, hence why I posted it. Anyone familiar with Benoit would know that Johnny Grunge would frequently go over to his house to sooth tension between him and Nancy when they were dealing with maritable issues.
However, I made a HORRIBLE case of judgement by not thinking about the possible repercussions my post could cause. To me, it was "just another post" in several posts I do each and every day. I was not plotting to "get Victoria." I have nothing against her at all. While I had no concrete opinion of her during her time in WWE, I was very excited to see her join TNA. In fact, I feel she has single handidly revitalized the Knockouts Division. Most people forget what happened on Impact the previous week by the next show, but you will remember what Victoria did with the Knockouts.
Considering my e-mail address was linked in that post regarding me, I was sent a lot of "hate mail." However, I was not at all offended by the letters as 1) as I’ve seen better spelling and grammar from children in remedial classes at elementary school and 2) they had no idea what they were talking about.
In conclusion, while I did not fabricate the Victoria/Benoit story, I did however make a horrible case of judgement. For that I am sorry. I am sorry for the grief I caused Ms. Varon, the Benoit family, and the many wrestling fans.
On a final note, I very much appreciate Wrestlezone letting me explain myself."
