Several GCW Wrestlers Respond To Allegations That GCW Faked Negative COVID-19 Tests

As previously reported, independent wrestler “Dirty” Ron McDonald claimed that he faked COVID-19 testing results so GCW could run shows during the pandemic from October 2020 to January 2021. Lauderdale was advised by his lawyer not to comment. However, three of GCW’s wrestlers decided to weigh in instead, including Tony Deppen, Joey Janela and Jordan Oliver.

Deppen wrote on Twitter: “Before every show we had a group chat where we’d talk about her recautions and the deadlines for our covid tests. I also had to sit out two shows cause my tests didn’t come back in time – and that was at the request of Brett.”

That is true, as GCW posted a tweet in January 2021 announcing Deppen would miss a show due to COVID protocols.

Before every show we had a group chat where we’d talk about her recautions and the deadlines for our covid tests. I also had to sit out two shows cause my tests didn’t come back in time – and that was at the request of Brett.

— Tony Deppen (@Tony_Deppen) May 25, 2022

In adherence to GCW's Covid-19 protocols and with an abundance of caution, Tony Deppen will be unable to participate in today's event. A replacement will be announced ASAP.#GCW56Nights

— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) January 1, 2021

Janela shared screenshots of the group chats Deppen mentioned and noted that the entire roster is vaccinated.

He wrote: “We always had groups like this on social media apps, many wrestlers have been told to sit out before…
Roster is vaccinated now, see everyone in Vegas. Most will ignore this because they ‘Wanna smoke that GCW PACK’ whatever the f*ck that means.”

We always had groups like this on social media apps, many wrestlers have been told to sit out before…

Roster is vaccinated now, see everyone in Vegas 🙄🙌🏻 https://t.co/7KeKY495bv pic.twitter.com/RcMb5WR1Pn

— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) May 25, 2022

But most will ignore this because they “Wanna smoke that GCW PACK” whatever the fuck that means 😂😂

— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) May 25, 2022

Deppen also shared a photo of COVID test groups set up for GCW wrestlers.

https://t.co/MyLTiyMq8D pic.twitter.com/LS8bVMxdAZ

— Tony Deppen (@Tony_Deppen) May 25, 2022

Jordan Oliver wrote: “GCW made me send my test results to head referees. Brett made it clear to me many times if you test positive or don’t get a test you can’t compete, I believe he took it very serious. On top of that GCW pays ME very good. And that has been since DAY 1. Of course, these are MY experiences.”

GCW made me send my test results to head referees.Brett made it clear to me many times if you test positive or dont get a test you cant compete,I believe he took it very serious.On top of that GCW pays ME very good.And that has been since DAY1.Ofcourse these are MY experiences. https://t.co/8h76J2xan1

— Jordan Oliver (@TheJordanOIiver) May 25, 2022