GCW owner Brett Lauderdale has broken his silence after Joey Janela’s comments about Sub’s final match at GCW Spring Break 9 sparked backlash. Fans accused GCW of dragging subs before the match, but Lauderdale has closed those claims, calling them “irresponsible, fraudulent, hurtful, false.”
Lauderdale went to Twitter to deal with the accusations head on, saying that he was “devastated” when he learned that Sub had passed away. He wrote:
“I was devastated when I received the words that Sabu had passed away on Sunday. I had known Sabu personally for nearly 20 years and had been in constant contact with him for the past two years.
Lauderdale explained that he and Sub had regular contact until the match, and did not put pressure on Sub to wrestle. Instead, he insists he is supportive and encourages Sub to enjoy the moment.
“In the months leading up to the match, I repeatedly told them how much I believed in him and how excited he was to finally get his flowers and celebrate his money and the Fusayo.
Lauderdale emphasized that neither he nor GCW provided any substance to Sabu. “If there is any suggestion that I or ‘GCW’ or Joey Janela ”d ‘force’ him to do this match, or that he supplied material to him, or that somehow his death was irresponsible, illicit, hurtful, false.” Lauderdale said.
Lauderdale added that he has a track record of pulling wrestlers out of matches if they feel they are not in the conditions to perform safely.
“I never intentionally put anyone I believed was dangerous to myself or to others in the ring. My track record shows this is true.
Lauderdale also revealed that he spoke with Sub again at Wreslcon just before the match and the next day. “I talked to a sub moment before the match. He was a sub. He was the same sub I met in the past few years when I joined his match as a referee and later as a promoter,” he said.
Louderdale dealt with Sub’s physical condition and his wrestling career, saying his wrestling career took on him.
“The truth is that Sub lived a hard life both inside and outside the ring. He was fearless and reckless… which captivated him millions and at the same time made us worried.
Lauderdale ended his statement with a sincere message to Sub and his family.
“While Sub lives forever, Terry Blank isn’t. Unfortunately, his time has come. It’s sad. My heart comes out to his friends and family and laments his losses. I knew him and was proud to be able to host his final match.
This all began when fans accused GCW of exploiting subs just to sell tickets. Fans tweeted:
“So GCW/Brett dragged the sub knowing he couldn’t wrestled that night or had problems with the name of making at least 2,000 fans happy.
Joey Janela fought back by denying that GCW had provided Sabu with any substance. “We didn’t give him the Kratom that his team did. It’s not illegal either, either, and 85% of professional wrestlers do it, especially on television.”Anella said.
Janela claimed that Sub was an adult of her own choice. “Sub was a grown man, he did what he had to do to get out there, I took full advantage of his abilities and took care of him.Anella said.
Despite the repulsion, Janela told the fans to “kiss my ass.”
The situation surrounding Sub’s final match has become a controversial topic among fans. Lauderdale’s statement revealed he supports handling of GCW’s sub’s final match, but the controversy does not disappear anytime soon.
