AEW wrestler donates salary to women’s center in Jax after being suspended for inappropriate comment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — All Elite Wrestler (AEW), Sammy Guevara, has donated his salary for 2020 to the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. This comes after suggesting he wanted to “go rape” fellow wrestler Sasha Banks.

These remarks were made on a 2016 podcast but recently resurfaced.

AEW sent Action News Jax at a statement saying:

“AEW insists on doing our part to create a world of understanding and respect for humankind. We therefore strongly condemn the extremely offensive and hurtful words of Sammy Guevara. As such, effective immediately, Sammy is suspended without pay until further notice. Sammy has agreed to undergo extensive sensitivity training and, upon completion, his future status within the company will be re-evaluated. During his suspension, his salary will be donated to the Women’s Center of Jacksonville.”

Action News Jax reporter, Meghan Moriarty, spoke with Teresa Miles, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. “The unfortunate, negative comments that were made by Mr. Guevara were insensitive and damaging. Very quickly after, there were many attempts to make it right, and I think that that’s important,” she said,

Guevara was suspended in June.

The Women’s Center of Jacksonville provides survivors of sexual assault and rape with counseling and forensic exam services. According to the center, 1 in 6 women in Florida are survivors of sexual assault. 1 in 10 men nationally have been sexually abused.

In 2019, the center provided services to 650 sexual assault survivors.

The Women’s Center of Jacksonville’s 24-hour rape crisis hotline is 904-721-7273. Last year, it fielded almost 4,000 calls.

Action News Jax reached out for an interview with Guevara but was told he is not doing interviews at this time. We also asked how much money would be donated to WCJ, we’re waiting to hear back from All Elite Wrestling for that number.

Shad Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a lead investor in All Elite Wrestling.

Cox Media Group