John Laurinaitis Deletes X Post After Fans Accuse Him of AI-Generated “Fake Crowd” at Indie Signing
- bjiopn65
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
By Toss Boss (@MrTossBoss) | March 18, 2026
Former WWE executive John Laurinaitis’ return to the public eye took an unexpected turn after fans accused him of altering a photo with AI to make his signing line appear much bigger than it actually was—and the post is now gone.
Laurinaitis appeared at Big Time Wrestling’s “March Mayhem: The Battle for Glory Begins” on March 14, 2026 at Ohio University–Chillicothe’s Shoemaker Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. Shortly after the event, Laurinaitis (posting from @JohnLaurinaitis) shared an X post thanking fans and included a photo of him at the table with what fans now claim was an artificially inflated crowd behind him.
The post read:
“Amazing signing and matches at Big Time Wrestling this past Saturday. It was great to meet so many people.”
Fans Zero In on Alleged AI “Tells”
Instead of celebrating the appearance, replies quickly focused on the image itself. Critics claimed the photo looked “enhanced,” alleging AI was used to add or inflate the number of people around Laurinaitis’ table.
Fans pointed to what they believed were common AI giveaways—merged or distorted fingers, odd facial details, and background figures that didn’t look consistent. These “tells”—including a blurry figure with a garbled or nonsensical “Hulkamania” shirt—match common AI artifacts fans have highlighted in screenshots circulating online.
One fan asked directly: “Why did you AI in the people at your table? 😂” Another added: “Lmao how many of them are real.”
The X Post Was Deleted on March 18
As backlash grew, Laurinaitis deleted the X post on March 18, 2026. As of this writing, he hasn’t publicly addressed the accusations. Screenshots of the deleted post and fan replies are circulating widely on X.
Why the Story Keeps Growing (and Overshadowing the Show)
In an era where AI edits are easy—and where fans scrutinize every pixel—this kind of controversy spreads fast. While some attendee-shared photos appeared to show larger lines for other names (including Diamond Dallas Page), critics argued little to no line was visible for Laurinaitis in the moments captured, fueling the “inflated crowd” narrative.
The quick deletion only amplified the memes and mockery across wrestling Twitter/X (including roasts from figures like Rhino), turning a simple thank-you post into prime online fodder—overshadowing what was otherwise a stacked indie supershow in Chillicothe.
Do you buy the AI claims (faking the crowd for clout), or was the deletion just smart damage control against overblown drama? Drop your thoughts—and any event pics/stories—in the comments!
Big Time Wrestling “March Mayhem: The Battle for Glory Begins” — Full Results & Highlights (March 14, 2026 | Chillicothe, OH)
Venue: Ohio University–Chillicothe (OH) Shoemaker CenterPromoter: James Hines Family PromotionsEvent: World Classic Professional Big Time Wrestling — “March Mayhem: The Battle for Glory Begins”
Ring Announcers: Bud Lytle, Hank HudsonOfficials: Keith Smith, Noah Banks, Ref TheresaCommentators (Home Viewing): Sean Bossman, Herb SimmonsOpening Prayer: Pastor Woody WilsonNational Anthem: Ben Davis, Jr.In the House: Gary Graham, “Mr. Insanity” Toby Cline, Mike Vilk
Despite the online buzz, the event drew praise locally for its stacked card and Hall of Fame inductions—helping bring out a strong Buckeye State crowd overall.
6:30 PM — Ohio Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction (Class of 2026)
Hosted by Bud Lytle
The Malenko Family — Boris (father) & sons Joe & Dean (with Joe Malenko accepting the plaque)
Hank Hudson (50+ years as a ring announcer in Ohio)
“Total Protection” Mr. Hughes (final career match at March Mayhem)
“The Eagle” Jackie Fulton (George Hines) (The Fantastics / All Japan Pro Wrestling)
The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) & “Precious” Paul Ellering (with family in attendance)
7:00 PM — “March Mayhem” Supershow
Big Time Wrestling representative The Good Doctor and John Laurinaitis drew heat with arrogant, condescending remarks.
“The Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant followed and lifted the crowd’s mood.
(1) “Handsome” Nick Hamrick (w/ “The Lovely” Miss Charessa) def. Chase Emery (pinfall) — 6:54Hamrick reversed Emery’s second flying crossbody attempt and used the ropes for illegal leverage.
(2) “MICHIGAN vs. OHIO” Match — “The Legacy” Jarron Fulton (w/ “Fantastic” Bobby Fulton) def. “The GR8, N8” Mattson (pinfall) — 0:58Jarron tried to forfeit due to a rib injury, but Mattson’s taunts (including a mic shot at Bobby) pulled him in. Mattson attacked the injury, but Jarron shifted his weight during a bodyslam attempt for the quick pin.
(3) “Killer” Kyle Kraven def. The Ringleader Man (a.k.a. De ATLien) (pinfall) — 5:01Kraven stayed upright through a top-rope hurricanrana attempt and powerbombed Ringleader for the win.
(4) “Winners Take All” Six-Man Tag — Onyx & Josh Benson & “Half Pint Punk” Eric Smalls (w/ Tony Atlas) def. Kongo Kong & The Iron Russian & Mr. Hughes (w/ Harvey Wippleman) — 6:13Smalls pinned The Iron Russian. With ’Swoggle snowed out and Shane Douglas injured, Smalls stepped in. Atlas landed a one-punch KO that set up Smalls’ moonsault finish.
(5) Big Mama’s Open Challenge — “Queen of the Ring” Title — Big Mama (c) def. unnamed volunteer (pinfall) — 1:13After no one initially answered, Big Mama demanded an opponent until a volunteer stepped up—then got powerbombed.
Doink The Clown thanked the crowd in a brief in-ring moment.
(6) Cal Bloom (f.k.a. Von Wagner) (w/ The Beverly Brothers: Beau & Blake) def. “Merciless” Lord Crewe (pinfall) — 8:36Bloom won with a Michinoku Driver after heavy Beverly interference.
Intermission
Triple Main Event
(7) Four-Man Tag Team Match — Rhino & Heath (Slater) vs. The Powers of Pain (Warlord & Barbarian) (w/ Paul Ellering) — NO CONTEST, 5:59Ellering said the match was a tribute to Hawk & Animal. The bout broke down, and when Mattson and Hamrick jumped in, official Keith Smith threw it out. Rhino, Heath, and Powers of Pain then united for a four-on-two beatdown and stood tall together.
(8) “Dream Match” (as billed on social media) — “The Real 1” (NZO) def. Mr. Kennedy (a.k.a. Mr. Anderson) (pinfall) — 9:54NZO won after an “Eat Da Feet”-style jolt. A classic ceiling-lowered mic was used for Kennedy/Anderson’s signature intro.
(9) Three-Way Elimination Dance — Leon Graham Memorial Trophy (No DQ, no countouts; elimination by pinfall or submission only)Amazing Bryant Huff def. The Great Sasuke and Jake Omen — 11:07
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