Opinion

Dave Meltzer & Peyton Royce: What’s Easy Isn’t Always Right

Published

7 years ago

August 18, 2018

In the latest crossover of wrestling, social media, politics, and political correctness, Dave Meltzer found himself mired in controversy and taken to task by many for his comments about Peyton Royce on his Wrestling Observer Radio show. If you haven’t heard the conversation, here is a transcript of the clip between Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez:

Meltzer: “The IIconics got ‘boring’ed out’. You know they’re another one. You know I thought that they had a cool act in NXT and on the main roster I don’t get a thing out of them. I don’t think their promos are good, their wrestling isn’t particularly good. I think Peyton Royce’s transformation to look more attractive… I don’t know, I don’t want to say, but… I think that —

Alvarez: “She was more attractive in NXT?”

Meltzer: “I thought so, yes. To me, yes I would say so. But that’s neither here nor there but…”

Alvarez: “No one’s saying she’s unattractive by the way, everybody.”

Meltzer: “I know, no sh*t, yeah I didn’t say it at all. But I think she doesn’t stand out to me. When she was in NXT she did…”:

Alvarez: “One thing I’ve noticed about NXT and the main roster is –”

Meltzer: “She was a lot lighter.”

Peyton Royce then responded with this Tweet: “So what would you have me do Dave… starve myself? This is how nightmares for young women start. The females in your life must be proud.”

Soon, many other WWE superstars, men and women alike, came to the defense of Royce and denounced Meltzer and his comments.

Personally, I have a bit of a problem with this entire exchange and what has transpired in the last few days, and I take issue with both Meltzer AND Peyton Royce.

First of all, Royce’s tweet makes it apparent that she believed Meltzer’s comment was about her weight. It was not. Meltzer’s comment was in reference to Royce having breast augmentation (enlargement) surgery before debuting on the main roster. He even tried to avoid coming out and saying it outright. Perhaps looking back he might have been better served to do just that. When he referred to Royce being “lighter,” it was in reference to her chest, not her waist. Even still, the argument could be made that Meltzer’s comments were distasteful at best. I’m not arguing that. And while that may be true, I think it is also worth noting that, judging by her response, Royce either did not actually listen to the podcast in its entirety, only saw or was told of the “she was a lot lighter” quote, or simply misunderstood the comment. That sentiment was only furthered by the piling on that occured, by both superstars of the WWE and social media users in general, whose comments again seemed to be geared towards the idea that Meltzer was commenting on Royce’s weight or body type when he actually was not, at least not in the way they perceived.

Secondly, and perhaps the bigger issue at hand in that grand scheme of things, is that it would appear to me that Royce and her supporters were only too eager to take a bite of the low hanging fruit. Dave Meltzer, a dirt sheet writer (though a very successful one), makes a unpolitically correct statement about a woman performer and has the social media hounds sicced on him, becoming the latest face of the enemy in the “Women’s Revolution.” But I would ask Peyton Royce, with all do respect, and the other WWE superstars who tweeted at Meltzer or voiced their support for Royce, this line of questioning: Why now? Where were your tweets of outrage when the company you work for took millions of dollars to perform in a country that wouldn’t even allow female workers to set foot on their soil? Why dont you @ the numerous women wrestlers who undergo breast enlargement surgeries and tell them they look perfect just the way they are? Why were you silent during the “Piggy James” angle, when Khassius Ohno was released for being too fat, when Daniel Bryan was called “tiny” by Vince McMahon, or during the era of Pudding Matches and Evening Gown Matches? Why do you feel like an advocate against body shaming when you work for a company who uses body shaming repeatedly as a basis for its storylines (eg James Ellsworth’s chin)?

Furthermore, if you are comfortable in your own body and don’t want to call attention to it, why are you getting augmentation surgery at all? Why are you posting countless pictures of yourself in Instagram for the world to see? Why are female performers posing for Playboy and ESPN Magazine’s “Body” issue, and then expecting people not to comment on their bodies?

Don’t get me wrong- I am in no way supportive of belittling people, making fun of their looks, body shaming, or discriminating in any way. And I am not saying that Peyton Royce is wrong to feel the way she felt. But am I wrong to feel that the outrage at Meltzer is a bit misplaced as well?

If you are truly concerned about the issue of body shaming, and how, in Royce’s words, it could cause “nightmares” for young women, but then you don’t ever call out your own employer for body shaming, and not only do you not call them out on it but also conform to their pressures, and then while working for said company you call out someone else for their comments or viewpoints, it comes off as disingenuous and simply trying to take aim at an easy, low risk target. Meltzer cannot affect real change in the way wrestling looks at or treats women. But sending the social media mob after Meltzer is a lot easier than taking a stand against a company like WWE, which would take a real stand and make a real difference if you ask me.

Why punch down instead of up? Oh that’s right, because they person you’d be punching up at is responsible for paying your bills.

So instead, this will blow over in a week and the status quo will remain. What’s easy isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always easy.

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Why You Should Care About Dave Meltzer’s Comments About Peyton Royce

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1