In April 2020, Velveteen Dream (Patrick Clark) was accused of sending indecent images to underage boys, and two months later, amidst the Speaking Out movement, new allegations were made that Dream had sent a sexually explicit photo to an underage girl and had “inappropriate communications” with underage boys he was allegedly grooming.
WWE reportedly investigated the incident but found no evidence of wrongdoing. Dream was thereafter released from his WWE contract in May 2021.
On a recent edition of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T discussed whether Dream should get a second chance at wrestling following his WWE release.
On whether Velveteen Dream deserves a second chance in wrestling: “I talked to Patrick Clark about three months ago. He reached out to me, and he wanted to get — he was trying to figure out, maybe a way back into the business. And I told him to give me a call and, I don’t know, something happened, and we — I don’t know what happened, but I hadn’t talked to him. But I was wondering that myself. I was like, ‘I wonder if this kid could get back in the business’ myself. You know what I mean? Because I knew Patrick Clark before he was on Tough Enough, alright? I knew him when he was working at Maryland Championship Wrestling, as a kid. And then when he got on Tough Enough I was like, Man, this kid has so much talent.’ And then when he got an NXT and created that Velveteen Dream character and gimmick, I was like, ‘Man, this is money. This is gold. This thing can go a long time, for years.’ It was like a throwback, like Macho Man Savage or something like that. It was kind of like a throwback gimmick that he made work. But I don’t know, man. I wonder if there’s a way back in the business for him but I tell you, it’s going to be hard. And he’s going to have to put in a whole lot of work.”
On Dream needing to earn trust back in wrestling: “One thing I said when I came home from prison. I said I didn’t expect people to trust me. I said, ‘I gotta earn people’s trust.’ I say, ‘People are going to look at me like I’m a criminal, and that’s the way they should look at me. It’s going to be up to me to prove myself.’ And so if I could tell Patrick Clark anything [it would be] don’t quit. Get out there and just, just earn it… Let me tell you this: he lost his damn mind. No, that’s why I say: something like that, you gotta earn it, man. It’s not something, you know, a spot is not something that, ‘Well, everybody should get one.’ I really feel like in certain situations, especially in a situation like he’s in right now, he’s going to have to earn his way back. And it’s going to take a lot of hard work. It’s going to take getting someone to trust you. And the thing is, I’m not even talking about all the way back to the wrestling business. I’m just talking about just in general. Seriously because, brother was definitely going through some troubled times, seriously. So to find his way back, it would really be a remarkable thing.”
Dream recently published a video apologizing for his past behavior, specifically naming Triple H and Shawn Michaels as the individuals he apologizes to alongside WWE, his family, and more.
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Velveteen Dream, whose real name is Patrick Clark, was once a rising star in the world of professional wrestling. However, his career took a major hit in April 2020 when he was accused of sending indecent images to underage boys. Two months later, amidst the Speaking Out movement, new allegations emerged that Dream had also sent a sexually explicit photo to an underage girl and had inappropriate communications with underage boys he was allegedly grooming.
Following these allegations, WWE conducted an investigation but found no evidence of wrongdoing. Nevertheless, Dream was released from his WWE contract in May 2021. The controversy surrounding Dream’s actions raised questions about whether he should be given a second chance in the wrestling industry.
Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T discussed the topic on his “Hall of Fame” podcast. Booker T revealed that he had spoken to Patrick Clark a few months ago when Clark reached out to him, expressing his desire to find a way back into the wrestling business. Booker T acknowledged Clark’s talent and potential, having known him before his time on Tough Enough and witnessing his success as the Velveteen Dream character in NXT.
However, Booker T also emphasized the importance of earning trust back in wrestling. Drawing from his own experience of coming home from prison, Booker T stated that he didn’t expect people to trust him immediately and that he had to prove himself. He advised Clark not to quit and to work hard to earn back the trust of others. Booker T acknowledged that it would be a challenging journey for Clark, both in the wrestling business and in general, considering the troubled times he had gone through.
In response to the controversy, Dream recently released a video apologizing for his past behavior. He specifically named Triple H and Shawn Michaels, alongside WWE, his family, and others, as individuals he apologizes to.
The question of whether Velveteen Dream deserves a second chance in wrestling remains a topic of debate. While some may argue that he should be given an opportunity to redeem himself and showcase his talent, others may believe that the severity of the allegations warrants more significant consequences.
Ultimately, the decision lies with wrestling organizations and fans. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals involved, especially considering the sensitive nature of the allegations made against Dream. As the wrestling community continues to address issues of misconduct and accountability, it is essential to create an environment that promotes respect and protects those who may be vulnerable.