Matt Riddle left a UK charity wrestling promotion in the lurch last weekend after failing to show up for a scheduled main eventand hes yet to return the deposit he was paid.
Global Wrestling Kingdom, the new promotion spearheaded by Al Snow, held its inaugural show A New Kingdom Rises on Sunday, August 31 in Barnsley, England. Riddle had been advertised since May to face Simon Miller in the main event, but when showtime rolled around, he was nowhere to be found. Fans were informed at the top of the card that Grado would be stepping in to replace him.
According to Cultaholic, Riddle was booked through his manager months ago, but began expressing concerns shortly before the event. The MLW World Heavyweight Champion reportedly wasnt thrilled with his flight accommodations and had complaints about being stuck in a Barnsley hotel for two days. In response, Global Wrestling Kingdom tried to arrange paid seminars to help offset his travel and downtime, but nothing materialized due to the short notice.
Even with no formal cancellation, Riddle never boarded a flight. A driver was left waiting for hours at the airport with no Riddle in sight. Eventually, the promotion received a message from Riddle stating he had accepted another booking but still might make the show. That was the last communication GWK gotRiddle stopped opening messages entirely after that.
The fallout was immediate. Fans who purchased meet-and-greet tickets had to be refunded. Worse, the show wasnt just a business opportunityit was a charity fundraiser supporting domestic abuse survivors and homeless veterans. The event was even opened by the mayor of Barnsley.
Instead of showing up to the GWK charity show, Riddle was seen backstage at the Real American Freestyle event on Saturday, August 30. PWInsider noted he expressed interest in competing for the Hogan and Bischoff-backed freestyle wrestling league. But it didnt stop there.
On the very same day he was scheduled to wrestle Simon Miller, Riddle ended up working a match at Boca Raton Championship Wrestling in Florida. He wasnt even advertised. The original card listed Stallion Rogers vs. Big Tito Lincoln in a singles match, but Riddle tagged in with Rogers instead, and the duo picked up the win.
This isnt the first time Riddle has ghosted a promotion. Back in January, he no-showed a Championship Wrestling from Memphis event and only informed them the day of. That time, he opted to attend Nick Hogans wedding instead.
For a performer currently holding a world title, Riddles choices are raising more than a few eyebrows.
Do you think Matt Riddle should return the deposit and apologize to the UK charity promotion? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
