Update: Following the initial story, Matt Riddle has given his side to the story regarding his absence from the UK show.
Taking to social media, Riddle responded to the allegations, stating that he did not attend the show as he would enter the UK on Thursday and would have to wait 2 days until the show itself:
“GWK, the reason I didn’t go is because you booked me a flight for Thursday for a show that was happening Sunday and you said you were booking me meet and greets, other matches and appearances. You did none of that. I had nothing scheduled, and I was going to sit in a hotel room for two days in London. I told you multiple times I can’t do that or wouldn’t do that, and I got work for Friday and Saturday and Thursday. I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and I told you I’d fly to London Saturday evening. You said ‘You pay for it.’ I go, no, you pay for it, take it out of my pay, whatever. You guys refused so I flew to Miami and wrestled there.”
Riddle also added that the claim about the deposit was a lie and that the event was not for charity, despite what was stated:
“I never said I wouldn’t pay you guys back, that’s a lie. Also, this show wasn’t a charity event, that’s a lie. That was a last second change. You also booked me the worst flight in history, bro. Middle seat, no meal, no checked bag. GWK, this is probably your last run.”
Original story:
Former WWE star Matt Riddle reportedly did not appear at a wrestling show in the UK that was in aid of a good cause.
As reported by Cultaholic on September 3, Riddle was set to be a part of the Global Wrestling Kingdom show A New Kingdom Rises on August 31, but did not appear at the event in Barnsley, England.
Riddle was originally set to face wrestler and YouTube personality Simon Miller in the main event of the show, but was instead replaced by Scottish wrestler Grado on short notice. According to Grado, he received the call the night before and was thankful that he received a positive reaction from the fans:
“I got the phone call late Saturday night from Al Snow, Steve Lynskey and Liam the promoter to make the five-hour drive from Ayrshire to Barnsley.
“I was a wee bit worried the fans would be upset at me being the replacement as we are completely different wrestlers in more than one way. However, the reaction was incredible and the lads and lassies in the back absolutely burst their arses to give the fans a cracking show. Shout out to Simon Miller for being a tremendous pro also!”
The GWK event was put on in aid of charities in support of survivors of domestic abuse, and homeless veterans, with the Barnsley mayor David James Leech also in attendance to open the show.
Why Did Matt Riddle No-Show UK Charity Show?
According to Cultaholic, Riddle was booked for the event months ago by his manager, but close to the show “expressed concerns about his flight, claiming it was cheap, and his unhappiness about being in a hotel room in Barnsley for two days.” It is noted that GWK tried to arrange seminars so that Riddle would be able to earn extra money while in the country, but were unable to find venues willing to accommodate.
As a result of the sudden absence, meet and greets with the former Tag Team Champion were cancelled and Riddle is yet to return his deposit to the promotion, which is being ran by wrestling veteran Al Snow.
Riddle was reportedly backstage at the inaugural Real American Freestyle show on August 30 and was then in action in Boca Raton, Florida for BRCW the following night, despite not being advertised for the show.
Riddle was released from his WWE contract in 2023, and currently reigns as the MLW World Heavyweight Champion for the promotion Major League Wrestling. There has been no statement from Riddle regarding the report at the time of writing
Featured image: WWE
