GCW star “Dirty” Ron McDonald is accusing GCW of faking COVID-19 test results so the company could run its shows during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic between October 2020 through January 2021. GCW President & CEO Brett Lauderdale was advised by his lawyer not to comment. However, three of GCW’s wrestlers decided to weigh in instead, including Tony Deppen, Joey Janela, and Jordan Oliver.
Deppen said,
“Before every show, we had a group chat where we’d talk about her precautions and the deadlines for our covid tests. I also had to sit out two shows cause my tests didn’t come back in time – and that was at the request of Brett.”
There may be some truth to the above, as GCW did post that Deppen would be missing an event dating back to January 2021 due to the COVID-19 protocols.
Before every show we had a group chat where we’d talk about her recautions and the deadlines for our covid tests. I also had to sit out two shows cause my tests didn’t come back in time – and that was at the request of Brett.
— Tony Deppen (@Tony_Deppen) May 25, 2022
In adherence to GCW's Covid-19 protocols and with an abundance of caution, Tony Deppen will be unable to participate in today's event. A replacement will be announced ASAP.#GCW56Nights
— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) January 1, 2021
Former AEW star and GCW regular, Joey Janela, added,
“We always had groups like this on social media apps, many wrestlers have been told to sit out before… Roster is vaccinated now, see everyone in Vegas. Most will ignore this because they ‘Wanna smoke that GCW PACK’ whatever the f*ck that means.”
We always had groups like this on social media apps, many wrestlers have been told to sit out before…
Roster is vaccinated now, see everyone in Vegas 🙄🙌🏻 https://t.co/7KeKY495bv pic.twitter.com/RcMb5WR1Pn
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) May 25, 2022
But most will ignore this because they “Wanna smoke that GCW PACK” whatever the fuck that means 😂😂
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) May 25, 2022
Deppen also shared a photo of COVID test groups set up for GCW wrestlers.
https://t.co/MyLTiyMq8D pic.twitter.com/LS8bVMxdAZ
— Tony Deppen (@Tony_Deppen) May 25, 2022
Jordan Oliver would later chime in, saying,
“GCW made me send my test results to head referees. Brett made it clear to me many times if you test positive or don’t get a test you can’t compete, I believe he took it very serious. On top of that GCW pays ME very good. And that has been since DAY 1. Of course, these are MY experiences.”
GCW made me send my test results to head referees.Brett made it clear to me many times if you test positive or dont get a test you cant compete,I believe he took it very serious.On top of that GCW pays ME very good.And that has been since DAY1.Ofcourse these are MY experiences. https://t.co/8h76J2xan1
— Jordan Oliver (@TheJordanOIiver) May 25, 2022
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