Post by Katherine Lockheart on May 8, 2019 13:36:59 GMT
Source: PWDirtSheet
Bob Pooler recently joined a number of IWF Superstars on Reddit, hosting his own AMA, during which he candidly spoke about his current status within IWF. The social media superstar and popular YouTube and Twitch personality confirmed several rumours about the real reason why he parted ways with the company:
@pwdirtsheet Any truth to the rumours that you asked for your release after concerns of your personal health issues were not satisfactorily addressed by IWF doctors?
Sources close to the Imperial Wrestling Federation have, perhaps unsurprisingly, declined to comment further on either Mr Pooler’s experiences or the state of medical care within the company, but it is safe to speculate that this worrying statement about how contracted athletes are treated within the walls of the professional wrestling giant has only come to light now precisely because Mr Pooler is no longer under contract with the company.
Perhaps the most disturbing implication here is that this situation raises fresh new questions about the contributing factors surrounding the death of professional wrestling legend, Spike Kane, who died last July live on Pay Per View at the conclusion of a brutal Dragon’s Den match with Dean Harper. At the time, it was believed those close to the Kane family didn’t hold the company directly responsible for Mr Kane’s death, stating that he had been medically cleared to compete and at the time, some even commended the efforts of the medical team involved.
With this new revelation, one has to wonder if we were being told the whole story, and if any other former employees will now come forward with similar stories.
IWF has been criticised before for exploiting and mishandling mental health issues, most notably with Eternity, Helena Sawyer and even Spike Kane’s sister Freya, but this is the first time a direct source has spoken so openly about the apparent failure of the company’s medical policy.
Is it time for an overhaul and review?
Will Roberto Verona finally be held accountable, or will he dodge responsibility once again, just like he apparently did for the death of Spike Kane?
Bob Pooler recently joined a number of IWF Superstars on Reddit, hosting his own AMA, during which he candidly spoke about his current status within IWF. The social media superstar and popular YouTube and Twitch personality confirmed several rumours about the real reason why he parted ways with the company:
@pwdirtsheet Any truth to the rumours that you asked for your release after concerns of your personal health issues were not satisfactorily addressed by IWF doctors?
”Yeah, I read a bunch of stuff online about what was going on with me and most of it wasn't that far off the mark. A few months ago I got word that my GP (general practitioner) doctor had found something during my yearly physical. A few echo-cardiograms, EKGs, and panel after panel of blood work it came down that I've got a congenital heart defect. They said that while they're glad that they found it, they were surprised that I hadn't dropped before now. I mean, when you think about the life I've led and occupation I wasn't exactly a model of peace and serenity. So, I let them know about the ticking time bomb in my chest and wanted to take some time off to figure this all out. My worst nightmare was going down in that ring like Spike did; I didn't want the company to have to bury another one of their superstars ... but I guess my concerns weren't valid enough to be considered when I brought it to the medical staff at IWF HQ. All I got a week to "relax" before finding myself booked against Nighthawk. I didn't feel right in the time leading up to the match and, for the first time in my career, I was afraid to go out there. All match long I was hesitant, I was pulling my punches. Every time I took a bump I thought about what damage I was doing to my body ... about my heart just giving out. My heart wasn't in that match, no pun intended, and after making it backstage I went straight to the top and asked for my release. If IWF doctors weren't going to look out for my well being then I sure as hell was going to do it myself. Come to find out the IWF doctors hadn't passed along my concerns to the booking agents so I don't hold them accountable for anything, but I'm still pissed at the brazen chances that the doctors took with my life. IWF will always hold a special place in my heart, but until things change I can't be a part of a company that doesn't put their personnel above profits.”
Sources close to the Imperial Wrestling Federation have, perhaps unsurprisingly, declined to comment further on either Mr Pooler’s experiences or the state of medical care within the company, but it is safe to speculate that this worrying statement about how contracted athletes are treated within the walls of the professional wrestling giant has only come to light now precisely because Mr Pooler is no longer under contract with the company.
Perhaps the most disturbing implication here is that this situation raises fresh new questions about the contributing factors surrounding the death of professional wrestling legend, Spike Kane, who died last July live on Pay Per View at the conclusion of a brutal Dragon’s Den match with Dean Harper. At the time, it was believed those close to the Kane family didn’t hold the company directly responsible for Mr Kane’s death, stating that he had been medically cleared to compete and at the time, some even commended the efforts of the medical team involved.
With this new revelation, one has to wonder if we were being told the whole story, and if any other former employees will now come forward with similar stories.
IWF has been criticised before for exploiting and mishandling mental health issues, most notably with Eternity, Helena Sawyer and even Spike Kane’s sister Freya, but this is the first time a direct source has spoken so openly about the apparent failure of the company’s medical policy.
Is it time for an overhaul and review?
Will Roberto Verona finally be held accountable, or will he dodge responsibility once again, just like he apparently did for the death of Spike Kane?
Well howdy there pardner.