All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has taken decisive action following the arrest of one of its roster members, Bear Boulder, whose real name is Thomas Wansaw. Reportedly fired by the promotion after news of his domestic battery arrest surfaced, the incident has now raised serious discussions about the culture surrounding professional wrestling and how organizations handle domestic abuse allegations.
Boulder, part of the Iron Savages tag team, was arrested on January 13, 2025, at his home located in Winter Garden, Florida. According to reports from Fightful and PWInsider, the arrest was made after officers responded to a domestic disturbance call lodged by Boulder’s fiancée. The police report described the troubling circumstances surrounding the incident, detailing how the couple's verbal dispute escalated to physical violence.
Deputy J. Rincon, who arrived at the scene, noted significant injuries on the alleged victim’s body. The investigative report stated: "I observed what appeared to be several injuries on [deleted] and photographs were taken and uploaded to Axon Evidence to be attached to the report." Medical attention was not immediately sought, as the fiancée expressed her desire to drive herself to the hospital later.
The alleged victim described the confrontation as increasingly volatile, stating, "[Deleted] stated she believes Thomas Wansaw picked her up and placed her on the couch as that's where she was when she regained consciousness." This statement highlights the severity of the altercation, which reportedly resulted in the victim losing consciousness after Boulder placed his foot on her throat.
Upon the arrest, Boulder was taken to the Orange County Detention Facility for processing, where he cooperated fully with law enforcement authorities. His account of the events was described as consistent with the victim's testimony, admitting: "Thomas Wansaw stated he knows what he did was not right but [deleted] made some negative comments about his job and he became upset."
This is not the first report of violence within their relationship; the victim indicated this was not an isolated incident, remarking to investigators about prior altercations. She claimed this physical abuse had occurred approximately five to ten times during their relationship, raising alarms about the alarming patterns of domestic violence affected individuals often face.
After his arrest, Boulder was initially issued a no contact order with the victim, which was lifted during a subsequent court hearing on January 27 at the victim’s request. The order was modified to stipulate Wansaw must avoid "hostile/violent contact" with the victim, which points to the complex dynamics often at play within abusive relationships. These changes were made without objection from the state attorney's office.
Wansaw, who had been attending anger management sessions prior to the incident, found himself cut off from the AEW roster abruptly. His last match occurred just days before his arrest, on January 11, during the taping of the ROH program. Wansaw’s professional future now hangs precariously as he navigates through these legal challenges.
AEW's decision to part ways with Bear Boulder reflects increased scrutiny and accountability within the wrestling industry concerning domestic violence and its repercussions on personal and professional lives. Wrestling promotions are under immense pressure to address these issues seriously, and Boulder’s case serves as yet another reminder of the impact of domestic violence on victims.
This incident serves as a pivotal moment not only for Wansaw but for others facing similar conditions. Resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline remain available for individuals needing support, emphasizing the importance of seeking help. The hotline can be reached at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
AEW’s action has sparked both conversations within wrestling communities and outside them, reinforcing the notion of accountability. It’s imperative for organizations to sustain environments where domestic violence is not tolerated, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.