The Israeli Pro Wrestling Association has issued a statement defending former WWE star Priscilla Kelly after she withdrew from their upcoming Passover Bash event amid intense online backlash.
Kelly, who wrestled in WWE as Gigi Dolin from 2021-2025, was announced for IPWA\'s April 6 show but quickly faced criticism over the booking due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
After posting \"I\'m going to Israel\" on social media, Kelly received what she described as \"an influx of violent messages\" from deranged “fans” leading her to cancel the appearance and deactivate her X account.
IPWA founder Gery Roif defended Kelly in a statement on Instagram, saying she \"had no knowledge of the conflict in the region\" and \"treated it as a regular booking.\" Roif emphasized that IPWA brings wrestling superstars to meet both Israelis and Palestinians, promoting what he calls \"the wrestling language of peace.\"
The promotion highlighted its inclusive credentials, noting it hosted the first-ever Women\'s Championship match in Middle East wrestling history at WrestleMitzvah 2022, which is available on Fite TV.
Roif stated that \"by bullying Priscilla out of this booking you screwed Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Druze, Russians, Ukrainians, Ethiopians, Christians and many more who live here in the region.\"
Kelly issued an apology stating her intention was \"never to make a political statement\" and that she does not \"condone the actions of the government in any way.\" She has not returned to social media since deactivating her account.
