Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Responds to Report He No-Showed Charity Wrestling Event
Matt Riddle, the former WWE United States Champion and current MLW World Heavyweight Champion, has fired back at allegations that he no-showed a charity wrestling event in the UK, calling the claims “lies” in a heated video response. The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Riddle failed to appear at Global Wrestling Kingdom’s inaugural show on August 31, 2025, leaving promoters scrambling and fans disappointed. Riddle’s unfiltered rant, posted on X (formerly Twitter), has only amplified the backlash, drawing criticism for its tone and timing.
The Allegations: Riddle’s No-Show at Global Wrestling Kingdom
Global Wrestling Kingdom (GWK), a new UK promotion founded by WWE Hall of Famer Al Snow, hosted its debut 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 promoted since May 2025 as the main event star, scheduled 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, citing last-minute changes. This forced GWK to issue refunds for pre-booked meet-and-greets with Riddle, impacting the charity’s fundraising efforts.
Sources close to GWK, as reported by Cultaholic, revealed that Riddle was booked months in advance through his manager but began raising concerns in the weeks leading up to the event. He reportedly complained about his “cheap” flight and dissatisfaction with being stuck in a Barnsley hotel for two days without additional bookings. GWK attempted to accommodate him by organizing pro wrestling seminars for extra income, but nothing was finalized 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 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 Cleveland 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.
Riddle’s Response: A Fiery Video Rant on Social Media
On September 3, 2025, Riddle addressed the allegations in a one-minute video posted to his X account (@SuperKingofBros), denying several claims and accusing GWK of lying. Captioned “I wish you nothing but the best GWK but stop lying bro,” the video has garnered over 10,000 views and mixed reactions.
In the clip, Riddle explained: “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 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 worked 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. Alright? 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.”
Thirty minutes later, Riddle posted a second video escalating the rant, expressing frustration at his critics: “You know, I can explain everything in great detail. I’m not lying, but I really don’t give a fck anymore. Most of you motherfckers are dumb fcking cnts. Just like when you believe that MeToo bullsht, all the other fcking garbage. You guys are all fcking dumb and it’s fcking insane.” The expletive-laden response has drawn widespread condemnation for its tone, further fueling the controversy.
Public Reactions and Expert Commentary
The wrestling community has reacted strongly, with fans and insiders criticizing Riddle’s professionalism. On Reddit’s r/SquaredCircle, a thread titled “Matt Riddle no-shows charity event and goes on rant” has over 1,500 upvotes and 266 comments, with users calling it “scummy” and “unprofessional,” especially for a charity show. 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 under #MattRiddleNoShow trend with backlash, including calls for MLW to address his behavior. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer tweeted: “Riddle’s response is a disaster—attacking fans and charities won’t help his indie bookings.” Analysts like those at Wrestling Inc. see it as a pattern damaging his credibility, following a January no-show at Championship Wrestling from Memphis for Nick Hogan’s wedding.
Charity advocates express disappointment, noting the impact on vulnerable causes. GWK has not issued a formal statement but confirmed refunds and the event’s success despite the setback.
Implications for U.S. Wrestling Fans: Reputation, Charity, and the Indie Scene
For American wrestling fans, this incident highlights the pitfalls of the indie circuit, where unreliable bookings can harm small promotions and charities. Economically, no-shows like this disrupt GWK’s fundraising, mirroring broader indie struggles amid WWE’s dominance—U.S. indie events generate millions but face talent retention issues.
Politically, it underscores charity wrestling’s role in community support, with events raising funds for domestic abuse and veterans—resonant U.S. issues. Lifestyle-wise, fans may rethink supporting Riddle, favoring ethical talents. Technologically, social media amplifies controversies, pressuring wrestlers via viral backlash. In sports entertainment, it parallels athlete no-shows, eroding trust in the industry.
Conclusion: Riddle’s Rant Adds Fuel to the Fire
Matt Riddle’s response to no-show allegations at Global Wrestling Kingdom’s charity event has escalated the controversy, with his videos denying claims of poor communication and deposit refusal while lashing out at critics. The incident, his second in 2025, has tarnished his reputation further, potentially limiting future indie opportunities.
As GWK moves forward successfully despite the hiccup, the wrestling world watches for repercussions. For fans, it’s a cautionary tale on the human side of the business—support causes directly to ensure impact.