Exclusive: Spike TV Executive Says Aries Will Be Disciplined

May 14, 2013

SPIKE VP: ARIES WILL BE DISCIPLINED

David Schwarz, Spike TV’s senior VP/communications, says Austin Aries will be disciplined for the incident involving Aries and Christy Hemme on last Thursday’s Impact. Just as significant, Schwarz unhesitatingly described what happened as sexual harassment.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment,” Schwarz said. “We discussed [the incident] with our partner. [Aries is] being disciplined. I’m trying to get more information on what action is being taken. Dixie Carter took this very personally. He will be disciplined. Again, we have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

“I’m not sure specifically how [the discipline] will be handled. To what extent, I don’t know. This is certainly something we don’t condone and don’t tolerate. Such behavior is not welcome.

It was suggested that, since Hemme was harassed on national TV, Aries’ discipline should be made public. Schwarz responded:

“I think that a statement of some sort will be coming. That’s being worked out. But immediate action will be taken.”

Carter has not replied to requests for an interview.

Justin is is the Executive Producer and Co-host of "Chair Shot Reality" which airs every weekend on WrestleZone. LaBar also hosts a weekly audio podcast called "Wrestling Reality" which is available for download everywhere. You can now read some of his WWE opinions on upgruv.com. He also is a producer and performer for IWC Wrestling in Pittsburgh which has been a sustained indy company with history dating back to 2001. He is also occasionally featured on NBC Sports and 120 Sports for WWE commentary. He's a former WWE columnist for Bleacher Report and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.