u/BreakfastTerrible434

In February 2017, James Harris (Kamala) made a rare public statement on his personal Facebook page regarding autographed photos being sold in his name. In the post, he asked Eric Simms to stop selling or advertising photos with what Kamala described as “fake autographs.”

Eric Simms later responded on Facebook and denied wrongdoing, although the debate among collectors continued for years, including after Kamala’s passing in 2020.

Some collectors have also pointed to Charlie Hartman of Gimmick Tree, who reportedly worked with Eric as a wrestling memorabilia supplier in recent years. Hartman has faced various legal issues over the years, which has added more discussion and controversy within the memorabilia community.

To this day, wrestling collectors seem divided on the authenticity of some Kamala memorabilia connected to this situation.

A public disagreement has emerged between wrestling promoters Dillon Hines and Eric Simms concerning the historical lineage and recognition of the Doink the Clown character. The dispute centers on which performer holds the most legitimate claim to the persona following the departure of the original Doink, Matt Borne.

Dillon Hines maintains that Steve Lombardi (widely known as the Brooklyn Brawler) should be recognized as the primary successor, asserting he was the first to officially assume the mantle after Borne’s tenure with the WWF ended.

Eric Simms contests this, arguing that Ray Apollo remains the only officially recognized living version of the character.

Other notable performers associated with the role have largely distanced themselves from the conflict. Steve Keirn (Skinner), who portrayed the character at WrestleMania IX, declined to comment. Ace Darling (Mike Maraldo), who performed as Doink in Smoky Mountain Wrestling, has stated he does not participate in signings or appearances related to the gimmick.

While the social media exchanges between Hines and Simms remain contentious, many industry veterans and 1990s-era wrestlers have characterized the dispute as a "work." Observers suggest the public friction may be a strategic maneuver to build anticipation for a future event featuring a Ray Apollo vs. Steve Lombardi matchup.

Wrestling Universe has allegedly borrowed money from local fans, hobby collectors, and wrestlers over a period spanning from 2024 through 2026. The money was initially requested through two separate GoFundMe campaigns. The first campaign was created to cover medical expenses for the store owner. A second GoFundMe was later launched, claiming the funds were needed to keep the store open and financially stable.

Following these fundraisers, Wrestling Universe closed its physical store, with a public promise that it would reopen within six months. However, more than a year has passed, and the store has not reopened. According to the building’s landlord, the closure was due to unpaid rent, contradicting the earlier claims made to supporters.

In addition to the GoFundMe campaigns, the store owner, Jack, is said to have borrowed money directly from local vendors. These loans reportedly included promises of repayment with interest, but those repayments have not been fulfilled.

Concerns within the wrestling community have grown, with allegations that the borrowed funds were instead used to finance wrestling-related events, including recent signings. It has also been claimed that individuals participating in or promoting signings under the Wrestling Universe brand may be knowingly or unknowingly connected to these activities.

This situation has become an ongoing issue within the community, with increasing calls for transparency and accountability regarding how the funds were used and whether those who contributed will be repaid.

I bought several Steve Austin autographs from American Icons after seeing claims over online threads where Sean Jacoby indicates that his company is the only reliable source when it comes to Stone Cold. However, some other sellers I reviewed had valid certifications (JSA, PSA/DNA, Beckett) while also providing photo proof and cheaper rates.

I learned American Icons only began working with Steve Austin in recent years, despite the company implying a much longer working relationship. When I asked about some older autographs, they suggested anything not from them directly should always be questioned and likely fake, which felt very condescending.

My takeaway: I’m not saying their items aren’t authentic, but their approach relies heavily on discrediting competitors. Buyers should do their own research and not assume one company is the only trustworthy source. American Icons philosophy of buy from us and not from them, That kind of mentality extremely unprofessional.

Sean Jocoby is known as a "Market Manipulator" within the wrestling community.

The controversy is do we believe American Icons or do we believe autograph collectors & vendors who have attended the convention scene where Steve Austin had signed events.

WrestleCon convention 2026 which went on WrestleMania weekend at the horseshoe hotel and casino. From my experience was a poorly run convention. I have been going to wrestlecon almost every year.

A lot of talent cancelled which never was posted. A lot of confusion between wrestling matches and the Wrestlecon convention running at the exact same times, In the exact same hotel. I personally feel this was a conflict of interest to the fans, talent and vendors.

Security was nowhere to be found on multiple occasions. Elayna Black (cora jade) was involved in a widely publicized dispute with a man over boundary violations and misconduct towards her. KC Navarro, confronted the man before he was escorted away by the hotel staff. While some social media comments and forum discussions have mentioned the name of the man as Javier Lopez. He is affiliated with the company marked out collectibles and posts on their facebook page.

Big Vito also had an altercation with a crazy fan. Many Vendors were upset with the lack of fans and felt mislead by Wrestlecon.

Some fans are still waiting for refunds from cancelled pro photo ops.

Rick Stiener who had been banned from WrestleCon dating back to 2023 was randomly selling autographs with no explanation as to why he was back. I just felt it was very poorly organized show.

After the convention some of the bigger name booking agents such as Prime Time Appearances were making fun of vendors who overpaid on talent. One of these self-proclaimed super agents Kimmy Sokol went on twitter taking a photo giving the middle finger to all the fans who complained about Wrestlecon. Many have found this type of behavior inappropriate. Wrestlecon did not tell her too do this which may lead to her being publicly banned at this con and future cons.