The 7-Week Wait for an Apology That Was Never Due
For the past seven weeks, Dave Meltzer has been waiting for an apology from me, Marie Shadows, over my January 8th, 2025 newsletter, where I questioned the legitimacy of his tweet that “claims” Chris Charlton was suspended from NJPW commentary.
The problem? I never knew he wanted an apology—until yesterday.
What followed was a puff-the-chest Twitter debate, where Meltzer doubled down without evidence, puffed his chest, and ignored the real issue (by saying whatever): Where is the proof?
This article breaks down the entire exchange, the importance of journalistic integrity, and why I am moving on from this conversation—permanently.
How It Started: The January 8th Newsletter
On January 8th, I published a newsletter and podcast episode debunking Meltzer’s vague tweet that Charlton was suspended for “anti-AEW” comments made during Wrestle Dynasty.
🔹 Key Issue: Meltzer’s tweet lacked sources, official NJPW confirmation, or a statement from Charlton himself.
🔹 My Stance: I asked the logical question—where is the evidence?
Meltzer responded the same day with a short email:
“New Japan informed me personally. Please do better.”
That was it. No sources. No proof. Just hearsay.
I replied on January 9th with a well-reasoned, professional email addressing the lack of verification and urging him to be more responsible with his reporting.
After that? Silence.
For seven weeks, he never followed up. No emails. No proof. No conversation.
Debunking Dave Meltzer’s Tweet About Chris Charlton Suspended/Hiatus Over "Anti-AEW" Comments
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How It Reignited: The Twitter Clash (7 Weeks Later)
On February 26th, 2025, a mutual tagged Meltzer in a discussion about AEW, sparking his sudden demand for an apology.
Meltzer: “Let me know when she apologizes for claiming I made up Chris Charlton’s suspension.”
This was news to me.
🔹 Why now? If he wanted an apology, why not email me?
🔹 Where’s the evidence? He still hadn’t provided any proof.
When I pointed that out, he deflected—puffing out his chest about his industry influence, claiming NJPW “confirmed it” without showing any public statements.
I stood my ground. No proof, no apology.
What This Exposes About Wrestling Journalism
This debate isn’t about personal beef—it’s about integrity in wrestling media.
❌ Hearsay ≠ Reporting – “Trust me, bro” isn’t journalism. Facts matter.
❌ Lack of Accountability – When questioned, Meltzer ignored the core issue and instead attacked credibility.
❌ Industry Bias – His reporting protects AEW’s image while pushing unverified narratives about NJPW.
Meanwhile, NJPW, one of the most transparent wrestling companies (not perfect but transparent nonetheless), had issued zero statements on Charlton’s status—unlike past situations, such as Juice Robinson’s suspension in 2023.
So why should I apologize for questioning a vague tweet with no verification?
Moving On – No Apology, No More Debate
This isn’t a “win” or “loss.” This is about accountability.
Meltzer never provided evidence—instead, he waited seven weeks to call me out publicly.
If Charlton speaks on it, how he phrases it will be telling.
And as for Dave Meltzer?
He’s free to block me, unsubscribe from my Substack, and move on.
Because I already moved on.
And remember my name.
-Marie Shadows
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