Former TNA and independent wrestling star Joey Ryan, whose real name is Joseph Meehan, has been removed from the upcoming “Portland Wrestling: Reborn” event scheduled for August 23, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington, after a significant public and industry backlash. The indie promotion behind the show announced the cancellation of Ryan’s booking just days after initially promoting his return to the ring as his first match appearance since the 2020 #SpeakingOut movement exposed multiple sexual misconduct allegations against him[3][4].
Joey Ryan’s planned comeback to wrestling shattered industry norms because of his controversial history. During the #SpeakingOut movement in 2020, Ryan faced nearly 20 accusations, including sexual assault, grooming of underage girls, and unwanted sexual advances—allegations he has denied but which led to his effective blacklisting from professional wrestling. Promotions such as TNA/Impact Wrestling released him, and he has not competed since June 2020[1][2].
Portland Wrestling initially booked Ryan due to his affordable price and the interest of local wrestlers eager to work with him once more. The promotion marketed the event with the tagline “Exiled from the sport he loved in 2020….Joey Ryan is Born Again,” signaling their intent to give him a fresh start beyond his infamous “mustache gimmick” of the past. However, the booking quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism from wrestling fans, fellow wrestlers, and local promotions in the Pacific Northwest[3][4].
Following intense backlash, Portland Wrestling announced they had canceled Ryan’s flight, thus removing him from the card. The promoter cited serious complications in organizing the event after Prestige Wrestling—a rival promotion running a show in Portland on the same date—reportedly threatened to “blackball” anyone who worked with Portland Wrestling’s revival show. Consequently, multiple wrestlers withdrew, and even the company renting the ring canceled their agreement, putting the entire event’s viability in jeopardy[3].
William Quintana, Prestige Wrestling’s promoter, released statements positioning his event as a “night of safe space pro-wrestling action, for the scene, by the scene that helped cultivate modern-day Portland wrestling,” emphasizing a welcoming and inclusive environment sharply contrasting the controversy surrounding Ryan’s booking. Quintana’s promotion is reportedly donating ticket proceeds to charity, showcasing a community-focused approach[3].
Sources close to the Portland Wrestling revival commented, “The decision to book Joey Ryan was made with the belief he could move past his troubled past, and there was a genuine interest from local talent to engage with him creatively. Unfortunately, the broader wrestling community’s response made this impossible to follow through.” Industry insiders share that Ryan remains a divisive figure unlikely to regain mainstream wrestling acceptance given the severity and scale of the allegations against him[1][3].
Joey Ryan’s wrestling career, once punctuated by his memorable comedic and risqué in-ring style, has been in limbo since 2020. After allegations surfaced, Ryan briefly attempted to organize a “Wrestling 4 Women” charity event in 2021, but it was met with widespread withdrawal from participants once the connection to Ryan was revealed, further illustrating the enduring reputational damage. Despite efforts to clear his name through defamation lawsuits, Ryan’s return has remained fraught with controversy and widespread condemnation within the wrestling industry and fan community[1][2].
According to a WWE insider familiar with the matter, “Joey Ryan’s situation is a cautionary tale about accountability in wrestling. The industry has made significant strides since #SpeakingOut, and most promotions are unwilling to risk associating with a figure whose past allegations risk alienating fans, talent, and partners.” The insider added that “any potential return for Ryan at this point would require not only legal closure but also genuine community reconciliation, which so far hasn’t happened.” This aligns with the broader wrestling community’s continued zero-tolerance stance on misconduct allegations[2].
This development echoes a growing trend within wrestling bookings where promotions prioritize the safety, dignity, and reputation of their talent and audiences alike, especially in a post-#SpeakingOut era marked by increased scrutiny and zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. The #SpeakingOut movement deeply reshaped wrestling’s culture by exposing systemic abuse and prompting better protections, ethical standards, and accountability demanding change at all levels[1][2].
Whether the Portland Wrestling event will proceed after the fallout remains uncertain. Tickets are still on sale, but with the promoter stating they currently lack a ring and key talent due to blackball threats, the show might face outright cancellation[3].
In conclusion, Joey Ryan’s canceled booking highlights the enduring consequences of the #SpeakingOut allegations and reflects professional wrestling’s ongoing evolution toward a more responsible and respectful industry environment. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if Ryan can ever overcome this contentious chapter or if his wrestling career remains permanently off-limits.
For continual updates on this story and other wrestling news, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and industry podcasts as the situation develops.
Sources: The Ring Report[1], Wrestling News Source[2], F4WOnline[3], Fightful[4].