Tammy Sytch's 'Downfall' Sentencing Speech Upsets Many

Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch's statement during her sentencing hearing this week has caused quite a stir. 

While being sentenced, Sytch referenced the passing of Chris Candido, claiming that his death in 2005 at the age of 33 played a key role in her "downfall." Candido passed away at the age of 33 in 2005. He and Sytch were in a long-term relationship at the time. 

A lot of people within pro wrestling were upset about Sytch referencing Candido's death as the beginning of her downfall, Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported, as many felt there were a number of red flags in her behaviour prior to Candido's passing. It was also noted that Sytch committed adultery while in a relationship with Candido and she admitted to as much in her own autobiography. 

One of the experts who testified on Sytch's behalf during her sentencing hearing cited "blows to the head" as a reason for Sytch's behaviour. This statement was seen as disingenuous by many within the industry, who noted that Sytch hardly ever wrestled and she spent the majority of her career as a manager.  

Melissa Leslie, the wife of Brutus Beefcake, was scheduled to testify on Sytch's behalf but she did not appear in court. 

The WWE Hall of Famer was sentenced to 17 years plus another eight years of probation. Sytch was charged with DUI causing death, driving with a suspended license causing death, four misdemeanour counts of DUI with damage to a person, and two misdemeanour charges of DUI with damage to property following a car crash in March 2022 that resulted in the death of 75-year-old Julian Lasseter. Sytch's blood alcohol level was over three-and-a-half times above the legal limit and an open bottle of vodka was found in her car at the scene. 

Sytch initially pleaded not guilty to all charges before changing her plea to no contest in August 2023.