Former 1990s WWE Wrestler Arrested in Shocking Child Pornography Sting Operation in Tennessee
TENNESSEE — A former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) performer from the 1990s has been arrested in Tennessee following an investigation into alleged attempts to purchase child sexual abuse material, authorities confirmed this week.
According to law enforcement officials, the former wrestler—whose identity has not yet been publicly released pending formal charges—was taken into custody after a multi-agency investigation uncovered evidence suggesting he had actively attempted to obtain illicit material involving minors.
The arrest was the result of an undercover operation conducted by federal and state authorities, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Officials said the former athlete allegedly contacted what he believed to be a vendor of child pornography and arranged for the purchase of the material online.
When officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, they reportedly recovered multiple electronic devices. Initial forensic analysis indicated that the devices contained content consistent with the illegal material he was seeking. Further digital evidence is currently being processed.
A spokesperson for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a brief statement:
“This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of our cybercrime and child exploitation task forces to root out those who seek to harm our most vulnerable. No individual—regardless of their past fame or profession—is above the law.”
The former wrestler, once known for his time in the spotlight during WWE’s 1990s era, has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years. His arrest has prompted shock and dismay among fans and members of the professional wrestling community. WWE has not yet issued a statement in response to the allegations.
The suspect is currently being held in a Tennessee county detention facility, and formal charges are expected to be announced by the district attorney’s office within the coming days. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under both state and federal law.
Officials are urging anyone with further information regarding the case—or other potential victims or related activity—to contact the TBI’s child exploitation hotline.
The investigation remains ongoing.