• WWE VIDEO HISTORY (May 15, 2003) – WWE SmackDown!
On this day in 2003, World Wrestling Entertainment aired another episode of their weekly TV show ‘WWE SmackDown!’.
This episode was broadcasted from the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland and featured matches, interviews & storyline segments on the road to the ‘WWE Judgment Day 2003’ PPV.
Here’s the card:
1. Chuck Palumbo vs. Rikishi
2. WWE Cruiserweight Title: Matt Hardy vs. Tajiri
3. Chris Benoit vs. John Cena
4. Eddie Guerrero vs. Shelton Benjamin
• Titus O’Neil Reacts To Vince McMahon Taking Action Against Lars Sullivan
As we noted before, WWE received pressure from a sponsor due to controversial comments made by Lars Sullivan.
A Reddit user ‘Snitchboy’ emailed Mars Wrigley Confectionery (which is one of WWE’s sponsors) regarding the controversial comments Lars Sullivan made on a Bodybuilding forum back in the day.
Below is what the Reddit user wrote in the email:
“Dear Snickers, one of the companies you sponsor, the WWE is heavily featuring a wrestler by the name of Lars Sullivan (portrayed by Dylan Miley) who has made many internet comments praising mass shooters, espousing hatred and mocking black, mentally ill, and gay people. Does that represent Mars as a company? If so, I’ll have to choose a different snack brand that more identifies with American values.”
Mars Wrigley Confectionery replied the following:
“Dear Loyal Consumer,
Thank you for reaching out to Mars Wrigley Confectionery with your comments.
We learned of Lars Sullivan’s comments recently and share in your shock and disgust. As a values-based company, we find his behavior abhorrent and unacceptable. We have engaged the WWE to discuss this situation and seek to understand what actions they will take to swiftly address this matter.
We hope this information is helpful and wish you a great day!
Your Friends at Mars Wrigley Confectionery”
This led to WWE issuing the following statement regarding the actions they’re taking against Lars Sullivan:
“WWE supports a culture of inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we are committed to embracing all individuals as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.
Dylan Miley (aka Lars Sullivan) will be fined $100,000 and required to complete sensitivity training for offensive commentary uncovered from his past. WWE will also facilitate meetings for Dylan with community organizations to foster further discussion around the power of social media and the impact of your words.”
David Bixenspan reached out to WWE to get clarification regarding this fine and a WWE spokesperson noted that Lars is being fined for multiple reasons:
I reached out to WWE to try to get clarification on the nature of Lars Sullivan’s $100,000 fine. When I asked if Lars is "being fined for the posts or not disclosing them when he signed,” a WWE spokesman told me that the fine was "For the broad issue covering all of the above."
— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) May 14, 2019
WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil tweeted the following regarding this situation:
.@LarsSWWE I Applaud you for seeking out myself&Others on the @WWE Roster to not only Sincerely Apologize, But also seek Guidance as to how to move forward in being a Better Human Being than you were 9years ago. Nobody is Perfect Including Thank you @VinceMcMahon 4Taking action!!
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) May 15, 2019
