Big Brother 17 has a celebrity house guest. Austin Matelson is known professionally as Judas Devlin, a wrestler who was part of the WWE NXT roster. NXT is the development arm of the WWE, but its matches attract a major audience .
Matelson, as Judas Devlin, spoke out earlier this year about improper conduct by WWE NXT trainer Bill DeMott , who later resigned. Devlin conducted an interview accusing DeMott of negligence, bullying, favoritism, and referencing sexual orientation.
At the same time, a two-year-old memo that Devlin had sent to WWE officials leaked online. In it, Devlin detailed the serious physical injury he said resulted from DeMott’s training practices. In a statement, WWE said that it had investigated the claims, but had been unable to validate them. DeMott resigned shortly thereafter.
Matelson tweeted his side of the story when the controversy erupted.
My story, my letter it was never meant for public eyes. It was an internal cry for help when I truly felt I had nowhere to turn.
— Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) March 3, 2015
If WWE took the investigation of my claims seriously then Bill Demott did not. “Judas’s HR letter” became his daily joke to the roster. — Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) March 5, 2015
When Bill Demott made my HR complaint “a joke” he made the nxt roster believe there was no resource for victimized employees.
— Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) March 5, 2015
Matelson also responded to DeMott’s resignation on social media.
VINDICATION — Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) March 6, 2015
Today is an amazing day for all those who have been victims of bullying. I want to thank everyone who showed me support.
— Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) March 6, 2015
I thank everyone who had the courage to stand up and tell their story. Together we showed the power of our voice. Now the healing begins. — Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) March 6, 2015
His official Twitter account was also quick to acknowledge his upcoming Big Brother experience after the cast announcement.
Welcome to my #Imaganarium @CBSBigBrother pic.twitter.com/k7tKpvFJ2l
— Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) June 16, 2015
CarterMatt wrote that it was hard to picture how Matelson might relate to the other Big Brother contestants, but did note he seems to have “a good heart.” His extended bio on Big Brother Network mentions he likes cheerleading, gymastics, yoga, and reading. Matelson eventually got a Master’s degree in medieval history, despite once dropping out of school in the eighth grade.
Great #coachesClinic @ Los Angeles School of gymnastics with the crew! pic.twitter.com/vmVFfWB90R
— Judas Draven (@JudasDraven) June 12, 2015
Matelson says Dr. Will and Howie are his favorite past Big Brother contestants. He failed to mention the show’s well-known wrestler, Jessie.
Big Brother 17 debuts on CBS June 24.
[Judas Devlin image via sportskeeda.com ]
