Max Caster, a professional wrestler associated with AEW, has withdrawn his endorsement for a storyline involving fellow wrestler Drew Gulak that referenced a recent contentious occurrence. The scripted dispute initially took place at an event hosted by Beyond Wrestling and escalated when Gulak inquired from Masha Slamovich if his actions ever made her feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Slamovich assured that Gulak’s actions hadn’t made her feel unsafe, to which Gulak retorted by attacking her, stating that she should have felt endangered in his presence.
However, the storyline faced a wave of criticism from fans due to its replication of Ronda Rousey’s accusations against Gulak for causing her discomfort by tinkering with the cords of her sweatpants.
Earlier this year, Rousey revealed that Gulak’s actions had made her uncomfortable. Caster had initially backed this narrative on Twitter but deleted his supporting post after facing significant backlash.
The matter of women’s safety within the wrestling profession has been under intense scrutiny of late due to the scandal involving Vince McMahon and the legal suit filed by Janel Grant.
Gulak severed ties with WWE earlier this year under circumstances that have led to speculation. Triple H, however, clarified that Gulak’s contract had come to its slated end and was not renewed as opposed to the rumors of Gulak’s release.