Protecting Your Promotion: Keeping Sexual Predators and Criminals Out of the Locker Room

 

In the world of independent professional wrestling, a single headline can undo years of hard work. Just last night, a Kentucky-based wrestler was arrested and charged with child sex crimes. For every promoter who takes pride in running an honest, family-friendly wrestling show, this should serve as a wake-up call.

Wrestling is built on trust — the trust between promoter and fan, wrestler and promoter, and performer and performer. When that trust is broken by a predator or criminal, the damage isn’t just legal or financial — it’s moral, reputational, and personal. Promoters have a duty to protect their locker rooms, their fans, and their brand.

Here are practical ways to do it.

1. Run Background Checks — Every Time

Every wrestler, referee, manager, and staff member should undergo a basic background check before being booked.

• Use reputable services: Sites like BeenVerified, TruthFinder, or a local law enforcement office can provide quick, affordable checks.

• Don’t skip independent contractors: “He’s a nice guy” isn’t a background check.

• Make it standard policy: When everyone knows checks are required, the ones with something to hide will avoid your promotion.

• Do your own background research on the individual. You would be surprised what you can find with Google.com, social media and mugshot websites without spending the first penny.

2. Require Real Names and IDs

Every wrestler must provide a valid, government-issued ID and fill out a signed booking form. This not only helps you protect your business but also proves you did your due diligence if issues ever arise.

Never book someone you know only by a ring name or reputation online. You need to know who is in your ring, not just what they call themselves.

3. Enforce a Zero-Tolerance Policy

Make it crystal clear — your promotion will not tolerate:

• Any sexual misconduct or harassment

• Any form of violence outside the ring

• Possession or use of illegal substances

• Crimes involving minors

Put this in writing and require every wrestler to sign it before working a show. If anyone violates it, terminate the booking immediately and ban them from future events.

4. Verify Licensing and Commission Status

In states like Kentucky, the Boxing and Wrestling Commission licenses wrestlers, referees, and promoters. Always verify a wrestler’s license status and confirm that it’s valid and in good standing. The commission can often flag individuals who are under suspension or investigation.

5. Keep Your Locker Room Professional

Create a locker room culture that discourages inappropriate behavior before it starts.

• No minors backstage unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Designate clear locker room boundaries (men’s, women’s, staff).

• Appoint a trusted locker room leader or agent to monitor behavior when you’re busy running the show.

• Never allow “after parties” or alcohol-fueled gatherings to be associated with your promotion.

6. Partner with Local Law Enforcement

Reach out to your local police department or sheriff’s office. Let them know your promotion runs family events and that you take safety seriously. Some departments will even help conduct free or reduced-cost background screenings. A simple relationship like that could protect you down the road.

7. Educate and Empower Your Talent

Encourage wrestlers and staff to report inappropriate conduct immediately. Make it clear that anyone who speaks up about a concern will not be blacklisted or punished. Silence protects predators — not your brand.

8. Audit Your Roster Regularly

Promoters often book months in advance, but things can change fast. Periodically re-check your roster’s public records, especially for those who have been inactive or working in other states. Someone who had a clean record last year might not today.

9. Be Transparent with Fans

If a situation arises — such as a wrestler being arrested or charged — address it professionally and quickly. A brief public statement confirming that the individual has been removed from all future bookings demonstrates leadership and integrity. Trying to hide it will only make things worse.

10. Protect the Business You Love

Pro wrestling is a brotherhood and a business. The actions of one criminal can ruin the reputation of an entire promotion, or worse — cause real harm to victims. As promoters, you are the gatekeepers of your locker room and your community.

By setting clear standards, verifying who you book, and prioritizing safety, you’re not only protecting your promotion — you’re protecting the integrity of professional wrestling itself.