Joey Janela responds to accusations after fans claim GCW drugged WWE legend Sabu before last match

Time of India

13-05-2025

(Image via Instagram/@thebadboyjoeyjanela)
Former
WWE legend Sabu
passed away at 60, just a few weeks after playing his final retirement bout during WrestleMania 41 week. His untimely demise on May 11, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the wrestling universe, leaving fans mourning at the heartbreaking news.
Before breathing his last, Sabu breathed in his final match during the WrestleMania weekend. He played the final bout of his retirement match with
GCW
star Joey Janela on April 18, 2025.
The farewell match, however, did not turn out the way Sabu might have expected it to be. In his farewell match, the legend had to face a defeat at the hands of Janela in the main event of the ninth annual Joey Janela's Spring Break. The videos of the match showed a bloodied face Sabu leaving the ring with a heavy heart.
But his celebratory send-off became a major controversial topic as fans have reportedly accused Joey Janela and GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale of letting Sabu wrestle under the influence of kratom, which is a legal but controversial substance often used for pain relief. To this accusation, Janela has responded promptly, dismissing the accusation.
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Joey Janela dismisses accusations after fans claim Sabu was drugged before his match
After fans accused Joey Janela and GCW of letting Sabu play under the influence of kratom, Joey Janela has dismissed the accusations, immediately denying that GCW was responsible for giving Sabu the drug kratom. He said Sabu's team supplied the substance and insisted that using kratom is common and legal in the wrestling business.
Taking to his 'X' account, Joey Janela has dismissed allegations, stating that 'We didn't give him kratom his team did, it's also not illegal and 85% of professional wrestlers do it especially the ones on TV. So f** you.'
Janela further added, '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 didn't think what happened halfway through would happen, it was all to get him one great payday and one last shine in the spotlight. That night wasn't about me, it was about Sabu, and I wouldn't change a thing.'
Previously, during an interview, Janela claimed that Sabu was given kratom to help him get through the match, which helped him aid his recovery from opiates. Janela's comments painted a controversial picture, suggesting that Sabu needed the substance to perform in the match.
It was noted that Janela allegedly said, 'embellished some elements of the match itself to add to the 'lore' of Sabu,' and that the interview took place shortly after the match itself. This comment did not go well with his fans, and they called out the player for his comments.
GCW - Sabu & Joey Janela Face Off In Sabu's Final Match! | #JJSB9
Fans continue to troll and accuse GCW and Joey Janela
A fan took to his X handle and called out GCW and Janela for risking Sabu's health for the show. The fan said, '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 legend's health. I'm SO f****** disappointed to ever support GCW and buy tickets to their shows.'
Another fan claimed, 'So your excuse for letting a drugged up legend who couldn't 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.'
Meanwhile, a fan came out in support of Joey, stating facts about using kratom. The user said, "Kratom is used as a supplement, people use it to shake off opiate sickness more than it is any kind of hardcore drug. OP here acting like you're a dope pusher when this shit is relatively benign herbal supplement over here. Come on.'
Also Read
:
'Sabu paid for me': Fan recalls WWE legend Sabu's heartwarming gesture of buying them WrestleMania tickets | WWE News - The Times of India
The wrestling world and its fans are still mourning the untimely passing of the wrestling legend on May 11, 2025. However, it is to be noted that the exact reason behind Sabu's death has not been disclosed as of yet.
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