Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Reportedly No-Shows Global Wrestling Kingdom Charity Event
Matt Riddle, the former WWE United States Champion and Raw Tag Team Champion, has sparked controversy after allegedly no-showing a charity wrestling event in the United Kingdom. The incident, which occurred on August 31, 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from fans and promoters, as Riddle failed to appear for a scheduled main event despite months of promotion—and has yet to return his booking deposit.
The No-Show Incident: What Happened at Global Wrestling Kingdom
Global Wrestling Kingdom (GWK), a new UK-based promotion founded by wrestling veteran Al Snow, held its inaugural event, A New Kingdom Rises, on August 31, 2025, at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England. The show was opened by the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr David Leech, and aimed to raise funds for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Help 4 Homeless Veterans, supporting survivors of domestic abuse and homeless veterans.
Riddle was heavily advertised since May 2025 as the main event star, set to face British wrestler Simon Miller in a high-profile match. However, when the event began, organizers announced that Scottish wrestler Grado would replace him, leaving fans stunned and the promotion scrambling to issue refunds for pre-booked meet-and-greets.
Sources close to the situation, as reported by Cultaholic, revealed that Riddle was booked through his manager several months ago but began expressing concerns in the weeks leading up to the event. He reportedly complained about his “cheap” flight arrangements and unhappiness with being stuck in a Barnsley hotel for two days. GWK attempted to accommodate him by organizing additional pro wrestling seminars for extra income, but nothing materialized on short notice.
Riddle never formally canceled but also never traveled to the UK—a driver waited hours at the airport for him. He later messaged that he had accepted another booking but “potentially” could still make the show, then stopped responding to further communications. To date, he has not returned the deposit paid by GWK.
Instead of appearing in Barnsley, Riddle was backstage at Real American Freestyle’s inaugural event on August 30 in the U.S. and wrestled for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling (BRCW) on August 31, teaming with Stallion Rogers in an unadvertised match. PWInsider reported Riddle expressed interest in competing for the Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff-founded league.
Background: Riddle’s Post-WWE Career and Prior Controversies
Matt Riddle, known as the “Original Bro,” was released from WWE in September 2023 amid backstage issues and a wellness policy violation. Since then, he’s thrived on the independent circuit, becoming the MLW World Heavyweight Champion and appearing in NJPW, TNA, and AAA. His WWE highlights include a 406-day U.S. Championship reign and tag titles with Randy Orton, but his exit followed a string of controversies, including airport altercations and failed drug tests.
This isn’t Riddle’s first no-show allegation in 2025. In January, he skipped a Championship Wrestling from Memphis event on the day of the show to attend Nick Hogan’s wedding, informing promoters only at the last minute. That incident drew similar backlash for poor communication.
GWK, launched by Al Snow (a WWE Hall of Famer), aims to promote UK talent while supporting causes. The event proceeded successfully despite the setback, but the no-show forced quick changes and refunds, impacting the charities’ fundraising.
Riddle’s Response to the Allegations
On September 3, 2025, Riddle addressed the claims in a video posted to his X account (@SuperKingofBros), denying several accusations. He stated GWK booked him a Thursday flight for a Sunday show without additional bookings like meet-and-greets or seminars, leaving him idle for two days in a Barnsley hotel. “I told you multiple times I can’t do that or wouldn’t do that,” he said, adding he secured work Thursday through Saturday and offered to fly in Saturday evening but was refused.
Riddle called the event “not a charity” initially and criticized the “worst flight in history” (middle seat, no meal, no checked bag). He insisted he never said he wouldn’t repay and wished GWK well but accused them of lying. The video, captioned “I wish you nothing but the best GWK but stop lying bro,” has over 10,000 views and mixed reactions.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Wrestling insiders have weighed in critically. Cultaholic’s Aidan Gibbons detailed the timeline, noting GWK’s efforts to accommodate Riddle, while PWInsider confirmed his U.S. appearances. Analysts like those at Wrestling Inc. see it as a pattern damaging Riddle’s indie credibility, especially for a charity show.
Public backlash is intense on social media. Reddit’s r/SquaredCircle thread on the story has over 1,500 upvotes and 266 comments, with users calling it “scummy” and “unprofessional,” especially for a charity event. One top comment: “Jokes aside though, sounds like pretty scummy behaviour. Would be the case even if it wasn’t for charity but even more the case all things considered.” X posts echo this, with #MattRiddleNoShow trending briefly, and fans tagging MLW and promoters for accountability.
Riddle’s response has divided opinions—some defend his side on travel issues, but many side with GWK, questioning why he didn’t cancel formally. Charity advocates express disappointment, noting the impact on vulnerable causes.
Implications for U.S. Wrestling Fans: Reputation, Charity, and Indie Scene
For American wrestling enthusiasts, this saga underscores the risks of booking indie stars post-WWE, potentially harming Riddle’s U.S. bookings with promotions like MLW or TNA. Economically, no-shows disrupt small promotions’ finances, with GWK facing refund costs and lost revenue—mirroring broader indie struggles amid WWE’s dominance.
Politically, it highlights charity wrestling’s role in community support, with events like GWK raising funds for domestic abuse and veterans—issues resonant in the U.S. Lifestyle-wise, fans may rethink supporting Riddle, favoring reliable talents. Technologically, social media amplifies such stories, pressuring wrestlers via viral backlash. In sports entertainment, it parallels athlete no-shows at fan events, eroding trust.
Conclusion: A Damaging Blow to Riddle’s Indie Reputation
Matt Riddle’s reported no-show at Global Wrestling Kingdom’s charity event has ignited widespread criticism, with the former WWE star failing to appear and refund his deposit despite accommodations offered by organizers. His video response disputes details but hasn’t quelled the outrage, marking another controversy in his post-WWE career.
As the indie scene relies on trust, this incident could limit future bookings for Riddle, while GWK’s inaugural show succeeds despite the setback. For fans, it’s a reminder of the human side of wrestling—support causes directly to ensure funds reach those in need. Expect more fallout as promoters weigh in.