Former WWE United States Champion Matt Riddle has issued a forceful response to recent claims that he no-showed and ripped off an independent wrestling charity event in the United Kingdom. The controversy erupted after Riddle failed to appear at Global Wrestling Kingdom’s “A New Kingdom Rises” event on August 31, which was promoted as a show supporting survivors of domestic abuse and homeless veterans. The backlash intensified when it was reported that Riddle did not even travel to the UK as scheduled, sparking heated criticism from fans and promoters alike[2][3].

In a video statement posted to Twitter/X on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Riddle said the accusations were misleading and provided his side of the story with notable frustration and sharp language. He refuted claims that he simply “no-showed” by explaining a series of logistical issues and communication breakdowns with Global Wrestling Kingdom (GWK), the UK promotion that booked him months earlier. According to Riddle, the promoter had initially booked him on a Thursday flight for a Sunday show, expecting him to wait around London for multiple days without adequate compensation or work opportunities[1].

“I’m going to make this quick. GWK — The reason I didn’t go is because you booked me a flight for Thursday for a show 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 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. I got work Friday and Saturday. Thursday I worked Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” Riddle said on social media, adding that he had offered to fly out later on Saturday evening instead[1].

Riddle also took issue with the flight arrangements, calling them “the worst flight in history” with a middle seat, no meal, and no checked bag included. Despite the issues, Riddle stated he never refused to pay back the deposit GWK had made for his appearance, contradicting reports that he “ripped off” the promotion and kept the money. He described the event itself as “not a charity show,” saying that its billing as a charity event was a late change by GWK, which further complicated matters[1].

The main event originally advertised for the Global Wrestling Kingdom show was a singles match between Matt Riddle and Simon Miller. When Riddle failed to arrive, British wrestler Grado stepped in to face Miller instead[2][3]. Sources told Cultaholic that a driver was left waiting for hours for Riddle’s arrival that never happened, and Riddle’s team confirmed that no finalized plans for additional appearances or seminars materialized, leaving Riddle unwilling to take an early flight without guaranteed bookings during his stay[3].

This incident adds to Riddle’s turbulent journey since his WWE release, where tensions with promotions and scheduling conflicts have occasionally spilled into the public eye. Wrestling insiders suggest that this dispute could impact Riddle’s standing on the independent scene, especially as charity events rely heavily on trust and goodwill from participating talent[3].

According to sources close to Riddle, the wrestler felt “trapped” by GWK’s poor planning and last-minute changes. “He wanted to make it work, but the logistics were a mess and it felt disrespectful to be stuck without any work or support for days,” a manager familiar with the discussions told Fightful[1]. They emphasized that Riddle intends to settle any outstanding financial matters and hopes to clear up misunderstandings.

Global Wrestling Kingdom has not released an official statement responding to Riddle’s public remarks or addressing the refund situation as of yet. The wrestling community remains divided, with some fans expressing disappointment over the missed opportunity to see Riddle live for a good cause, while others sympathize with the challenges he described[2][4][5].

This episode highlights the difficulties talent sometimes face juggling commitments across international independent bookings and the reputational risks involved when communication breaks down. Former WWE stars often leverage their notoriety to bolster smaller promotions, but such arrangements require clear planning and trust on all sides to avoid damaging fallout.

As of early September 2025, the controversy continues to unfold, with fans and industry figures awaiting further developments from both Matt Riddle and Global Wrestling Kingdom. Meanwhile, Riddle remains active on other wrestling circuits, including a scheduled bout in Miami during the disputed weekend, underscoring his ongoing pursuit of career opportunities outside WWE[1].

Backstage Perspective
“Matt’s priority has always been to deliver value wherever he goes,” said a WWE insider familiar with Riddle’s situation. “He feels strongly about fairness and professionalism, and flying halfway across the world to just sit idle wasn’t something he was willing to do without guarantee of earning or meaningful engagement. This whole saga boils down to poor communication and unmet expectations from the promoter’s side.”

Wrestling fans will be watching closely to see how Matt Riddle navigates this controversy and whether the Global Wrestling Kingdom issue will have lasting effects on his independent wrestling trajectory. For now, Riddle’s clarity on the record helps paint a fuller picture behind the headlines accusing him of unprofessional behavior.