Over the years, WWE and Vince McMahon have been fraught with controversy.
Whether it be the death of Owen Hart, the murder-suicide of Chris Benoit or the steroid trial that nearly torpedoed the company, it has never been a dull moment in Titan towers.
However, one of the most heinous things to ever happen in the company is one of that you may never have heard of.
It has been covered up by the WWE as much as possible, even though it caused wholesale changes to the entire wrestling industry.
What Was The Ring Boy Scandal In WWE?
The WWE Ring Boy Scandal refers to a controversy that unfolded in the early 1990s involving allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of underage boys who worked as ring crew members for the World Wrestling Federation (now known as World Wrestling Entertainment).
This scandal shook the wrestling industry and exposed a dark side that had remained hidden for years.
The scandal first came to light in 1992 when Tom Cole, a former ring boy, filed a lawsuit against Terry Garvin and Mel Phillips, both prominent figures in the WWF at the time.
Cole alleged that he had been sexually assaulted by Garvin and that Phillips had attempted to engage in sexual acts with him. The lawsuit shed light on a culture of exploitation and abuse that had apparently been going on behind the scenes.
As the legal battle unfolded, more ring boys came forward with similar allegations.
The accounts painted a disturbing picture of a network of individuals within the wrestling organization who took advantage of their positions of power and authority to prey on vulnerable young boys who were eager to be a part of the wrestling world.
The scandal sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling community and tarnished the reputation of the WWF.
It raised questions about the safety and protection of young individuals in the industry and sparked a conversation about the need for stricter safeguards and oversight.
The allegations also prompted other victims to speak out, revealing a pattern of abuse that extended beyond the initial lawsuit.
The fallout from the scandal was significant. Terry Garvin and Mel Phillips were both released from their positions in the WWF, and the company implemented new policies and protocols to ensure the safety of its workers, particularly minors.
The scandal also led to increased awareness and scrutiny within the wrestling community, with other promotions and organizations taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
The WWE Ring Boy Scandal served as a wake-up call for the wrestling industry, forcing it to confront the dark underbelly that had been concealed for far too long.
It highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and emphasized the need for comprehensive background checks, proper training, and ongoing monitoring of those in positions of authority.
The scandal also had a lasting impact on the victims who came forward. Their courage in speaking out against their abusers shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual abuse in the wrestling industry and helped pave the way for greater accountability.
Their stories prompted important discussions about consent, power dynamics, and the responsibility of organizations to protect their workers.
In the years that followed, the WWE Ring Boy Scandal became a cautionary tale for the wrestling world.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment within the industry, where individuals can pursue their dreams without fear of exploitation or abuse.
While the scandal brought about significant changes and raised awareness, it also serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the protection and well-being of all involved in professional wrestling.
Jake Roberts Said Ring Boy Scandal Was “All True”
While most wrestlers have steered clear of speaking about the Ring Boy Scandal, Jake Roberts has revealed that “it was all true”, and named the three men involved.
He mentioned Pat Patterson, Terry Garvin and Mel Phillips as the perpetratos, retelling a story he heard at the time that was “pretty disgusting”.
“The Ring Boy? I was there, it was all true” Jake Roberts said about the Ring Boy Scandal on “The Snake Pit with Jake Roberts”.
“I never witnessed it. I just knew it was going on. It made me sick. Pat Patterson, Terry Garvin and Mel Phillips out of Philadelphia.”
“The Story Goes that Gorilla Monsoon called Mel Phillips putting the figure four on some kid that’s sucking his toes. Pretty disgusting.”