Dave Hitchens is a passionate wrestling fan with YouTube channels like Grims Toy Show and sillySUPERPOP that show him reacting in real time to wrestling matches and unboxing wrestling action figures. But during the WWE’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event last Sunday, Hitchens went too far with his rowdiness, body-shaming Nia Jax and calling her fat.
Jax responded on Twitter to Hitchens, who has a combined 1.7 million subscribers, and blasted him for his insensitivity toward her and young girls in the crowd.
On his video, in which he reacted to the company’s first Women’s Royal Rumble (a match that features 30 wrestlers entering the over-the-top-rope battle royal match in 90-second increments), he called Jax “Nia Fat” and “Battle Cow.”
He deleted the video and apologized, but his remarks can be seen and heard here.
https://twitter.com/RIDEBLOODSNGUTS/status/958884295187320832
Jax saw what Hitchens had posted, and she went after him on her Twitter account (where she refers to herself as “Curvy & Self-Love Promoter”).
I’m guessing he wants attention @GrimsToyShow for his horrible behavior, making fun of my weight (which is completely unoriginal 🙄), but what gets me is that he’s shouting degrading things toward women in front of a young girl. Good job buddy https://t.co/7kfmJXaac0
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) February 1, 2018
Others blasted Hitchens, as well.
Queen unfortunately his daughter has learned from him. Terrible parenting. pic.twitter.com/OKV6NViGnO
— latrell (@divadadde) February 1, 2018
Nia don’t pay Al from Toy Story 2 any attention. pic.twitter.com/JeGFN6RYaG
— BIG MOOSE COOCH (@livorleave) February 1, 2018
The problem is you condoning it. I’m not sure how this couldn’t come off as offensive. A lot of females don’t have the confidence Nia has and talking like that leads to body dysmorphia. Especially in front of a female at an age to be influenced.
— Jacqueline (@cheekyjac) February 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/cmh00ligan/status/958945187526520832
Hitchens apologized for his comments and deleted his original video.
I messed up this time guys and I’m sorry. I’ll work very hard to be better. I sent an apology to @NiaJaxWWE and removed the video.
— GRIM: Leader of BELT FEDERATION (@GrimsToyShow) February 1, 2018
Thank you for that bud! No hard feelings at all. https://t.co/EOn7fYUTzX
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) February 1, 2018
Jax said she forgave him, but that doesn’t mean she was dropping the subject. She also tweeted photos of herself, writing that she loves that she can show off her body positivity and that “being the perfect size doesn’t necessarily bring security.”
#TheIrresistibleForce pic.twitter.com/hUYFnDH5WS
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) February 2, 2018
Jax has never held a title belt in the WWE, but when it comes to defending herself and calling out body-shamers, she’s a champion.