Sabus retirement match against Joey Janela at GCW Spring Break 9 was supposed to be a celebratory sendoff for the ECW icon, but the aftermath has become a heated controversy. After Sabus passing at 60, a fan took to Twitter to call out Janela and GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale, accusing them of letting Sabu wrestle under the influence of kratom a legal but controversial substance often used for pain relief.
The fans tweet didnt hold back, claiming that GCW was willing to risk Sabus health for a 2,000-seat show:
So GCW/Brett drugged Sabu knowing he was unable to wrestle that night or at least having issues in the name of making 2,000 fans happy rather than prioritizing a f***** old retired legends health. Im SO f****** disappointed to ever support GCW and buy tickets to their shows.*
Joey Janela immediately responded, vehemently denying that GCW was responsible for giving Sabu kratom. He said Sabus own team supplied the substance and insisted that using kratom is common in the wrestling business.
We didnt give him kratom his team did, its also not illegal and 85% of professional wrestlers do it especially the ones on TV. So f** you. Sabu was a grown man, he did what he had to do to get out there. I took care of him to the best of my ability, I didnt think what happened halfway through would happen,* Janela wrote.
Janela maintained that Sabu was an adult who made his own choices and claimed the match was about giving Sabu a final moment in the spotlight and a big payday. That night wasnt about me, it was about Sabu and I wouldnt change a thing, he added.
The fan, still upset, urged Janela to take responsibility and apologize for allowing Sabu to wrestle in his condition:
So your excuse for letting a drugged up legend who couldnt walk go out was he was a grown man. Joey I love you but please just take the blame and say sorry for this s** man. F*** the spotlight, his health comes first.*
Janelas response? Kiss my ass, he shot back. The fan then said that Janela could insult them all he wanted, but it wouldnt change the fact that Sabus health should have been the priority. They also suggested that Janela should apologize to Sabus family and fans for letting Sabu wrestle in such a state.
Janela didnt budge, replying, Sorry to who? You? F** you lol.* The fan pressed again, saying, Maybe say sorry to Sabus family or fans, since your name was on the show.
Janela doubled down: Sabus friends and family are over the moon for what we did for him, once again f** you and kiss my ass.*
The situation has sparked a strong reaction from wrestling fans, with many questioning whether Sabu should have been allowed to wrestle that night given his condition. Janela has remained defiant, insisting that he did nothing wrong and that Sabus family was happy with the sendoff he received.
What do you think about Joey Janelas response to the backlash over Sabus final match? Should he have handled it differently? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
