Matt Riddle: Wrestling in Japan is on my bucket list for 2024

Wrestling in Japan is one of Matt Riddle’s goals for 2024.

While speaking with MuscleManMalcolm at Friday night’s Jake Paul vs. Andre August boxing match, Riddle was asked about his future goals. Riddle says he’s going to keep wrestling. Competing in Japan is one thing on his bucket list:

I would say, I’m going to keep wrestling, you know? I’m really good at it, so keep doing that. Probably just go do some things I haven’t done before. I’ve never wrestled in Japan, so I think that’s on the bucket list in 2024, amongst other things.

Riddle named AEW star Kenny Omega as a dream opponent that he wants to face, though Omega is currently out of action indefinitely due to diverticulitis.

Riddle responded when asked about dream opponents:

I don’t know, Kenny’s hurt now. I saw that, indefinitely, that was sad. I really wanted to wrestle him. I figured, you know, my release that could have been an opportunity but now it’s not.

Riddle noted that he’s excited for what’s next and there are a ton of potential opponents out there.

Omega posted a photo from the hospital Friday and announced that he’s out of action indefinitely. Omega said he tried to keep pushing past the pain for as long as he could, but it became too much.

Kota Ibushi wrote that Omega will be fine and will definitely come back.

Riddle was released from his WWE contract on September 22. His release came during a set of post-merger roster cuts after WWE was officially acquired by Endeavor. The release also happened shortly after Riddle was involved in an incident at JFK Airport in New York City.

Riddle has been announced for indie dates including a match against Rob Van Dam for Big Time Wrestling in March 2024.

MuscleManMalcolm asked Riddle if he has any interest in facing Jake Paul in boxing. Riddle said he would prefer MMA, but he’ll fight anyone at any time. Riddle joked that he’ll do anything for some money.

Paul knocked out August in the first round of Friday’s bout.

Matt Riddle books new post-WWE indie date

Matt Riddle is scheduled to make one of his first post-WWE indie appearances for MCW Pro Wrestling.

MCW has announced Riddle for their Saturday, February 3 Winter Blast event in Hollywood, Maryland. The show is being held at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Hall.

“Former #WWE Superstar [Matt Riddle] joins the 2024 #MCWWinterBlast Tour in Hollywood, #Maryland on Saturday February 3rd,” MCW wrote. “Meet Matt Riddle, @NWA stars [Bryan Idol], [Natalia Markova] and ALL your favorite #MCWProWrestling Stars and the pre-show meet & greet”

Riddle was released from his WWE contract on September 22. His release came during a round of roster cuts that were made after Endeavor’s acquisition of WWE became official.

Before his release, Riddle was involved in an incident at JFK Airport in New York City on September 9. Riddle made a social media post accusing a Port Authority police officer of sexually assaulting him during the incident. Riddle deleted the post shortly after making it.

Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Riddle was drunk and causing a disturbance at the airport. Riddle was not detained or arrested following the incident.

TMZ Sports released some footage of the incident in September.

Riddle is set to face Rob Van Dam at an event for Big Time Wrestling in Chillicothe, Ohio on Saturday, March 9.

Matt Riddle vs. Rob Van Dam set for Big Time Wrestling event

Matt Riddle vs. Rob Van Dam has been announced for an independent event next year. 

Bobby Fulton revealed on social media today that the match will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, when Big Time Wrestling presents The Reunion 3 at the OU-Shoemaker Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. 

Both RVD and Riddle will also take part in a fan fest scheduled for before the event. Others participating include Kurt Angle, The Rock N Roll Express, Tommy Rich, Fred Ottman (Tugboat/Typhoon/Shockmaster), Ernest Miller, Kevin Sullivan, Missy Hyatt, Baby Doll, and Glacier. Riddle vs. RVD is currently the only match announced for the show.

Riddle was released from WWE in September. What comes next for the 37-year-old was addressed recently by our own Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

“Regarding Matt Riddle, his people have already been in talks with a number of pro wrestling, MMA and boxing companies regarding working there,” Meltzer wrote. “The only two that have come out are PFL and Bare Knuckle Boxing. Nothing can be announced until December when his non-compete ends, and yes, his non-compete does extend to MMA and boxing.”

During an interview with ITNWWE in 2021, Riddle spoke about him and RVD having mutual respect. He also mentioned wanting to either team with or wrestle RVD in a singles match. 

“I don’t know if I want to go one on one with him or I want to form a super tag team with him,” Riddle said about RVD. “We got mutual respect for one another but I think we can also fight one another too. He is the newly inducted Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam. If I can get a singles match or a tag match with Rob Van Dam, I would be pretty juice. I looked up to his career early on and my career and his work rate, the way he talks, the way he does his things. He didn’t care. I don’t care. He is one of a kind.”

Daily Update: Matt Riddle, Johnny Gargano, Adam Copeland

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • The new Observer is out right now. Among the key stuff covered:
  • Match of the week and performer of the week
  • The plight of the recently fired WWE wrestlers and where many can or will wind up
  • What is a key point about wrestlers who come from WWE and their ability to adapt to other companies and what things need to be considered
  • XFL/USFL merger talks and why
  • More on Terry Funk including his career title history and biggest awards, some of the biggest and most notable title change matches of his career, the only HBO wrestling special and the only time Vince McMahon did a broadcast announcing with Gordon Solie, why Funk’s proposed lengthy reign with the biggest regional title in the countr6 ended in a few weeks, the amazing Funk Brothers legacy in Japan, Funk’s NWA title reign and booking behind his biggest matches
  • Preview of the NXT & AEW shows, lots of talk by Bryan Danielson about Zack Sabre and his retirement, strange things about the show, AEW PPV airing on free TV in the U.K., and early notes on WWE Fastlane
  • Destruction in Kobe and the next few NJPW shows
  • More on the All In attendance mark
  • The dismissal of the landmark Mark Hunt suit against Dana White, UFC and Brock Lesnar and the judges ruling
  • Full UFC weekend coverage
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for the past week, the segments, the competition and where audiences were up and down
  • The KeMonito story in Mexico that is mainstream news there regarding his retirement
  • Lots of injury updates
  • Stardom Grand Prix updates
  • Junior Battle of Glory
  • Katsuhiko Nakajima update
  • How Jericho vs Takeshtia was put together
  • Two former WWE stars talk their steroid use
  • wXw major tag team tournament weekend
  • FantasticaMania notes
  • More on MLW and its relationship with CMLL and NJPW
  • GCW continues to tour overseas
  • Imapct Bound for Glory notes
  • PCO talks his departure from Impact and who Impact is looking to sign
  • Lots of thoughts on Tony Khan’s recent press conference
  • FOX and AEW comments, streaming comments, more PPV, ownership talk
  • How Dynamite changed this week and why
  • Kyle O’Reilly update
  • Title Tuesday
  • Notes on AEW DVR numbers for Grand Slam
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE and AEW shows
  • Jade Cargill to WWE
  • WWE back broadcasting in Japan
  • Shawn Michaels talks lots of WWE subjects
  • International TV ratings and streaming notes
  • WWE market value

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

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Tuesday Update

WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • David Bixenspan has an article detailing a sexual misconduct incident that took place in independent promotion PWX prior to Riddle signing with WWE, where he allegedly changed clothes in the women’s locker room in front of other women at a independent show, with Malia Hosaka confirming the incident.
  • “We were all in there, our show was going on,” Hosaka told Bixenspan. “I didn’t know who he was, but I was sitting with my feet propped up and eyes closed. When I opened them[,] he was on my right stripped down to his underwear and I got mad at the lack of respect from today’s generation. For him to come into the locker room to change while the women had the room[,] and to strip down and change was disrespectful. There was a bathroom down the hall that fans couldn’t get to that he could have used. [In m]y generation[,] the men and women respected each other enough to at least ask if it was ok or to ask for privacy. It pissed me off[,] and then his attitude that he had underwear on and that it wasn’t a big deal pissed me off more[,] so I told him how I felt about the lack of respect.”
  • Riddle responded to the allegations in the article. “The PWX thing wasn’t even an incident[.] [T]here was only one locker room (which isn’t uncommon on the indies unfortunately) [and] the promoter told me to change in there[,] so I did. Malia confronted me on my way out, I explained that the promoter told me to go change in there and she talked to the promoter and that was the end of it.”
  • AEW has uploaded footage showing Adam Copleland celebrating following his debut at WrestleDream.
  • Following WrestleDream, Zack Sabre Jr. has challenged Bryan Danielson to a rematch.
  • A Terry Funk mural has surfaced in Amarillo, Texas.
  • This week’s Sammy Guevara vlog.
  • NOAH has uploaded the finals of the N-1 Victory tournament where Katsuhiko Nakajima faced KENOH.
  • Nikki and Brie Garcia will host Twin Love, a new reality show that will air on Prime Video on November 17.
  • Netflix has announced that a show on the story of Japanese women’s star Dump Matsumoto will premiere on their platform in 2024.
  • The obituary for Joyce Grable, who passed away last week at 70. The stream of her funeral can be seen here.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi spoke to FanNation about being a fan of MLB player Masataka Yoshida.
  • Impact has uploaded their Bound for Glory 2006 event on YouTube.
  • Josh Alexander spoke to WhatCulture Wrestling.
  • Mike Santana joined Fightful Overbooked.

TMZ releases footage from Matt Riddle airport incident

TMZ has obtained some footage from Matt Riddle’s recent incident at JFK Airport in New York City.

In the video, Riddle can be seen grabbing a microphone at a front desk in the airport. TMZ writes that Riddle seemingly had a few too many drinks while his plane was delayed. A witness told TMZ that Riddle was ‘”incredibly obnoxious” during the delay and was “extremely loud and rude.”

TMZ wrote:

A witness tells us their flight to Orlando was postponed multiple times, so Riddle and his friend waited it out by enjoying drinks at a nearby restaurant.

The witness says Riddle was becoming ‘incredibly obnoxious’ throughout the delay … being ‘extremely loud and rude.’

Once it was almost time to board, the witness noticed Riddle walking around, yelling and asking when the plane would take off — before going up to the gate’s front desk and grabbing the mic.

In the video, Riddle — who’s holding a drink — is heard asking fellow passengers if they’re capable of flying the plane. It’s all in a playful manner, but staffers were quick to put an end to it.

The passengers eventually got on the plane … except Riddle, who was denied entry due to his state.

Our witness tells us he grew upset, asking ‘So are you telling me I’m not going home today?’

The video from TMZ can be seen below:

The video obtained by TMZ doesn’t include the interaction between Riddle and Port Authority police. An investigation was launched after Riddle made an Instagram post accusing a Port Authority police officer of sexually assaulting him during the incident. Riddle deleted the Instagram post shortly after making it and did not file a police report regarding the sexual assault allegation.

Riddle wasn’t detained or arrested following the incident.

The incident happened on September 9. Riddle was released by WWE on September 22. His release came during a round of roster cuts.

The roster cuts were made after Endeavor’s acquisition of WWE became official.

October 2, 2023 Observer Newsletter: WWE releases Matt Riddle, more on Terry Funk

Matt Riddle, 37, ended up being the biggest name as far as recent push goes among the WWE cuts since the recent merger.

Unlike all of the cuts with the exception of Yulisa Leon, Riddle was not released based on budget cuts or performance, but because of outside the ring incidents.

The most recent incident took place a few weeks ago at JFK Airport in New York when coming back from the show in India. There was no arrest made or even a police write up of an incident where airport security showed up after he was allegedly creating a disturbance, but he then claimed in social media that security allegedly sexually assaulted him, a claim he later took down.

It was said that this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Riddle had raised the ire of some of the veterans from day one, whether it was saying Bill Goldberg wasn’t any good as a wrestler, or claiming in a real fight he’d beat Roman Reigns. Riddle was a trained UFC fighter and former New York State champion in wrestling who beat Jon Jones in wrestling when both were in high school, something that WWE never mentioned when promoting him but almost every other promotion in history would have pushed to death. He had numerous incidents over the years of complaints from women after relationships had fallen apart, had a very public lawsuit by one (a suit filed also against WWE and Evolve where both promotions were thrown out of the suit quickly and the suit ended up being dropped with both sides agreeing not to talk about whatever agreement was made publicly) and failed two WWE drug tests.

Several in the company noted that he probably would have been among the top stars in the company, but because of the constant negative stuff that had come out, they were not going to push him past mid-level at this point.

Subscribers can click here to read this week’s newsletter.

Matt Riddle released by WWE

Matt Riddle is no longer employed by WWE.

Riddle made a social media post on Friday night informing fans of the news. He thanked fans for the support they’ve given him and said he’ll see everyone soon.

“Just wanted to inform everyone that I’m no longer with WWE,” Riddle wrote. “Thank you for the memories and opportunities also thank you to all the fans for the support and love you give me every time I go out to the ring. See you all soon.”

Riddle is the latest wrestler to be released by WWE during a round of roster cuts this week. The releases were made in the wake of Endeavor’s acquisition of WWE becoming official.

Through Instagram earlier this month, Riddle accused a Port Authority police officer of sexually assaulting him during an incident at JFK Airport in New York City. Riddle deleted the post after making it.

Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Riddle was drunk and causing a disturbance at the airport. The New York Post wrote that Riddle left on his own and wasn’t detained or arrested. Riddle did not file a police report regarding the sexual assault allegation. Port Authority police launched an investigation into the claim after Riddle’s Instagram post.

It was reported in December 2022 that Riddle was sent to rehab by WWE following two failed drug tests.

Riddle, a former UFC fighter, joined WWE in 2018. He’s a former tag team champion on the main roster and in NXT, along with holding the United States title once.

Riddle was recently part of a tag team with Drew McIntyre. 

Report: Matt Riddle expected back for Monday’s WWE Raw

Matt Riddle is reportedly expected back in WWE shortly. 

Riddle missed Monday’s edition of Raw after having been involved in an incident at JFK Airport on Sunday. However, it was later said that Riddle was removed from the show because of an inner ear infection and bronchitis rather than anything to do with what happened at the airport. 

According to a report from PWInsider, Riddle is expected to return to the company on Monday for Raw. His status for this weekend’s house shows in Kennewick, Washington, and Boise, Idaho is not clear, although he had been booked for the shows previously. 

Port Authority officers allege Riddle was “disruptive” and “heavily intoxicated” while transferring flights on Sunday. Riddle posted to Instagram accusing one of the officers of sexual assault as well. WWE and the Port Authority are both said to have launched internal investigations into the matter. 

Riddle is currently involved in a program with Drew McIntyre on WWE Raw. McIntyre has been reluctantly teaming with Riddle over the past month in matches against The Viking Raiders and New Day. With Riddle absent from Monday’s show, McIntyre defeated Xavier Woods in singles competition. 

Daily Update: Vince McMahon, Matt Riddle, CMLL Anniversary Show

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Observer is out with the following covered:

  • Match of the week and performer of the week from the past two weeks
  • The most detailed story of the AEW/C.M. Punk relationship
  • The honeymoon period
  • The business records
  • The difficulty of the decision to cut ties with him
  • Lots of new information not reported previously
  • The original records set and business success
  • The fight after All Out and its aftermath
  • Realities of pro wrestling
  • Analysis of him going to WWE
  • Support and non-support for him in AEW
  • Punk’s prior two contacts in recent years with WWE about returning
  • Conflict between Punk and other talent
  • The situation with Adam Page
  • The attempts to get everyone working together and why it kept being delayed
  • Details on what happened in the investigations after All In
  • Tony Khan’s speech before the live crowd in Chicago
  • The life and times of Sheik Adnan-Al Kaissie, the Native American babyface torn foreign menace
  • Amateur wrestling, legend in Hawaii, and giant stadium crowds in Iraq including beating Andre the Giant
  • His WWWF tag team title run
  • His AWA run including the biggest crowds in the heyday of the promotion affiliated with Jerry Blackwell and Ken Patera
  • The final run with Sgt. Slaughter
  • Full coverage of Payback, business notes, stories out of the show and match-by-match coverage
  • Full coverage of All Out, highlights, polls, business notes and more
  • UFC weekend coverage from Paris
  • More notes on the formation of a new all-women’s promotion that starts in a few weeks with Japanese stars
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for every wrestling and MMA show, segment-by-segment notes
  • Rocky Romero talks his CMLL run
  • Latest from Arena Mexico
  • Hall of Famer says he hopes to recover from recent operation and have a big retirement match
  • Stardom Five-Star Grand Prix tournament notes
  • Stardom PPV coverage
  • New rookie getting rave reviews
  • All Japan and NOAH have big shows
  • Terry Funk funeral notes
  • Notes on new TV show
  • Big tag team tournament coming
  • More notes on Wembley Stadium attendance
  • Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole talk post All Out
  • Advance ticket sales for WWE & AEW shows
  • AEW value calculated
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • Aussie Open on why they signed with AEW
  • Sports franchise owned by pro wrestling star wins championship
  • Dana White talks Bellator being for sale
  • More on Bellator sale talks
  • Analyst talks where he thinks WWE will wind up on television
  • Gable Steveson not doing world championships and update
  • Merchandise sales for Clash at the Castle and for All in
  • Cena’s drawing power on his return

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

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Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

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Monday Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio talking a ton of news from wrestling and MMA as well as tonight’s Raw coverage.

Today is the last day of WWE as a separate company as the merger with UFC to form TKO goes into effect tomorrow. So tonight will be the last Raw where the McMahon family has been the owners of WWE although Vince still is a major shareholder in the new company and will still be running WWE for the new company once he’s back from medical leave.

Matt Riddle is not at Raw. WWE hasn’t responded today as far as questions regarding Riddle coming off the incident at the JFK Airport coming back from India. But the fact he’s not at the show is noteworthy. 

The CMLL Anniversary show is Saturday night, not Friday at Arena Mexico and it is sold out.

Raw tonight is from Norfolk, VA at the Scope Arena. Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez with Dominik Mysterio banned from ringside for the women’s title has been announced. There is also an Imperium celebration of Gunther breaking Honky Tonk Man’s record for the longest reign as IC champion. That should lead to an angle to create a new top contender. Cody Rhodes is also advertised on the show, although he’s there every week except last week. Buffalo vs. New England opens up the Monday Night Football season tonight against Raw. They haven’t loaded up the show and don’t have the benefit they had last week of going right after a PPV show. Most years the rating drops noticeably this week. There were 7,007 tickets out as of this morning with a big last week of sales.

The Disney-Charter dispute was settled today so the 20 percent of the country not getting access to the game on ABC and ESPN issue is over, and not having access to Disney stations is over. As part of the deal, Charter subscribers in certain tiers will get free access to ESPN+, Disney + and the ESPN channel streaming when they start doing the streaming channel. Charter is also dropping eight Disney channels that aren’t watched much from its regular tier. A lot of people see this deal as the prototype major companies will have. Disney was upping its price to carry its stations and Charter refused to pay the new price because of the feeling that they were paying for non-exclusive stuff that subscribers could get elsewhere. The new deal means they will have the rights to market the streaming services themselves.

AEW had less than 2,200 tickets out for Wednesday’s Dynamite in Cincinnati as of last count. The last time in the market drew 4,740. 

Gail Kim noted that she was okay. She hit her head on the floor when she was pulled out of the ring by Velvet Sky at the Impact 1,000 tapings on Saturday night in White Plains, NY. She wrote, “I’m OK,just so everyone knows and is updated. I woke up to a lot of people concerned. So yes, I got rattled but I’m ok.”

Paul Levesque was spotted at New York Fashion Week yesterday with both Amazon owner Jeff Bezos and Ari Emanuel. As noted in the current Observer, Amazon is expected to be a player in the bidding for Smackdown.

The Cassandro movie will have a limited theatrical release starting on Friday. It premieres on Amazon Prime video on 9/22. The story is about the well known gay wrestler from El Paso who played an exotico and became a star. Gael Garcie Bernal stars as Casssandro.

The Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito match, which is expected to be among the top contenders for match of the year, will air on television for the first time in the U.S. on Thursday’s New Japan show on AXS.

West Coast Pro from last night in Los Angeles: Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson b Alan Angels & Kevin Blackwood, Kidd Bandit & Ishmael Vaughn & Kubes & Viento b Wicked Wickett & Koto Hiro & Lucas Riley & Dom Kubrick, Kevin Knight b Vinnie Massaro, Robert Martyr & Jiah Jewel & JT Thorme b Adrian Quest & Danny Rose & Ricky G, Lee Moriarty b Alpha Zo, Starboy Charlie b Shun Skywalker to earn a shot at the West Coast Pro title, Bryan Keith b Francesco Akira (this was a surprise match and heard it was great), Iron Kid won three-way over Aramis and Black Taurus. It started as a singles match and then Taurus (who was late arriving from Mexico) ran to the ring mid-match. Fans threw a ton of money in the ring after and people raved about this match., Takuma Iroha b Johnnie Robbie to retain the West Coast Pro women’s title, Titus Alexander retained the West Coast Pro title with a 30:00 draw with Daniel Garcia. Charlie gave Alexander a Gotch piledriver after to set up their title match. Chriis Hero is the booker for this group. Manami Toyota was the special guest. She handed Iroha the title after she retained it. Chigusa Nagayo was also at the show with Iroha and Toyota so you had two of the greatest women wrestlers of all-time at this event (thanks to Shannon Walsh)

Another match I’ve heard from several on as far as a great match over the weekend was El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Arez vs. Aramis vs. Gringo Loco from the First Wrestling promotion’s show in Minneapolis’ Mall of America.

C.M. Punk will make a return as the announcer for CFFC, an MMA promotion, for its next show on 10/13 from Tampa’s Florida State Fairgrounds. He is the regular announcer for the promotion and has been for years. The promotion noted that it has sold out its prior building six straight times in Tampa so is moving to a larger location.

CPW Fairplay Wrestling on 10/11 and Thanksgiving Eve in Boonsboro, MD.

Lucero Acosta of Combate Global will appear this week on Enamorandonos, a dating show that airs on Unimas at 8 p.m. all week. In the show, viewers of the show can vie for dates with Acosta by calling the show or posing on social media for a chance to be brought to the studio live to meet her. The show would then follow whatever relationship does or doesn’t develop.

Matt Riddle not at WWE Raw following airport incident

UPDATE —

Dave Meltzer wrote the following in today’s Daily Update:

“Matt Riddle is not at Raw. WWE hasn’t responded today as far as questions regarding Riddle coming off the incident at the JFK Airport coming back from India. But the fact he’s not at the show is noteworthy.” 

Original story —

Matt Riddle is reportedly not at WWE Raw tonight. 

Riddle was involved in an incident at JFK airport over the weekend where he accused a Port Authority officer of sexual assault. TMZ would later report that officers described Riddle as “heavily intoxicated,” “causing a scene” and acting disruptive between his transfer of flights.” 

Both WWE and the Port Authority have reportedly launched investigations into the matter. 

In the wake of the incident, PWInsider is reporting that Riddle is not in Norfolk, VA for today’s episode of Raw from the Scope Arena. Riddle is also not expected to take part in WWE live events this weekend from Idaho and Washington despite having previously been booked for the shows.

Riddle has been involved in a program with Drew McIntyre of late on Raw. McIntyre has reluctantly tagged with Riddle in matches against The Viking Raiders and New Day dating back to the August 14 show. 

The incident at JFK airport comes five months after Riddle returned to the company following a stay in rehab. Riddle was absent from WWE from December 2022 until coming back on the Raw after WrestleMania.  

Port Authority PD investigating sexual assault claim Matt Riddle made against officer

The Port Authority Police Department has launched an investigation into a sexual assault claim made by Matt Riddle against one of its officers.

TMZ reports that the Port Authority PD is internally investigating Riddle’s claim made Sunday in a since-deleted Instagram post following an alleged incident at New York’s JFK Airport.

Riddle posted a photo of a Port Authority PD officer on Sunday with the following caption, then later deleted the post: 

Nothing like being sexually assaulted by an officer and harassed at the jfk airport, no means no and just because I’m nice doesn’t mean yes!!! Asshole!!! Don’t know they’re Twitter or instagram handles but I took pictures, normally I’m like whatever but today was really weird and uncomfortable and they made a point to make me feel small and useless. Definitely one of the most uncomfortable travel days I’ve ever had thanks NYC you’re so progressive and accepting!

Ringside News was first on the story on Sunday, reporting a claim from an officer on the scene that Riddle was “heavily intoxicated,” “causing a scene” and acting disruptive between his transfer of flightsat JFK Airport, leading to Port Authority Police being called to the scene to deal with Riddle.

Ringside News reports included a quote from an officer from the scene who said: “After a few attempts of de-escalating the situation and removing Matt from the area, it became physical,” and that Riddle “brushed off” an opportunity to file a formal complaint against the officer in the alleged assault. 

WWE has reportedly also launched their own investigation into the incident. 

Regarding the alleged disruptive behavior that caused police to be called to the scene in the first place, TMZ notes that there was no police report filed and that Riddle was declared “free to go.”

Riddle was returning to the United States following WWE’s Superstar Spectacle event in India. He later posted on social media: 

Finally leaving JFK and I never wanna come back here again

Gunther vs. Matt Riddle added to WWE Money in the Bank

Matt Riddle is the next to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental title.

In a social media post on Monday, Riddle officially issued the challenge to Gunther for Money in the Bank this coming Saturday. On Raw, he was confronted by Ludwig Kaiser. The two ended up getting in a brawl, with Gunther striking Riddle with a boot while he was prone, laying him out. Gunther then accepted the challenge for London.

Riddle has been feuding with Imperium alongside Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in recent weeks. Earlier this month Riddle took out Giovanni Vinci backstage, putting him out of action in storyline. That was followed by a match between Riddle and Kaiser on last week’s Raw, which saw Riddle pick up the win.

Here is the updated lineup for Saturday’s Money in the Bank:

  • Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar vs. Butch vs. Damian Priest vs. Logan Paul
  • Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Zelina Vega vs. Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark vs. Bayley vs. IYO SKY vs. Trish Stratus
  • World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Finn Balor
  • Intercontinental title: Gunther defends against Matt Riddle
  • Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa vs. The Usos
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Dominik Mysterio
  • Women’s Tag Team Champions Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler defend against Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez

Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso, Miz TV with Nakamura set for WWE Raw

WWE has announced a match and a segment for Raw. 

Matt Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso is now scheduled for the show, as revealed by Byron Saxton in a video posted on Monday. A Miz TV segment with Shinsuke Nakamura has been added to the lineup as well. 

WWE is also advertising that Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar will “be in the same building” tonight as they prepare to face one another at Backlash.  

WWE Raw on May 1, 2023 will take place from The Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. According to WrestleTix, over ten thousand tickets to the show have been distributed. 

WWE Raw 5/1 lineup:

  • The Miz TV with Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Matt Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso
  • Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar to appear
  • Night Two of the WWE Draft

Wrestlers eligible to be drafted on WWE Draft night two, Monday, May 1 on Raw–

  • Akira Tozawa
  • Alpha Academy (Otis & Chad Gable)
  • Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo
  • Asuka
  • Austin Theory
  • Baron Corbin
  • Braun Strowman & Ricochet
  • Brock Lesnar
  • Bronson Reed
  • Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Dana Brooke
  • Elias
  • Emma
  • Johnny Gargano
  • Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio)
  • Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett)
  • Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
  • LA Knight
  • Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
  • Nikki Cross
  • Piper Niven
  • Rhea Ripley
  • Rick Boogs
  • Riddick Moss
  • Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler
  • Seth Rollins
  • Shotzi
  • Tamina
  • Tegan Nox
  • The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch)
  • The LWO (Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde & Zelina Vega)
  • The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)
  • The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso)
  • Trish Stratus
  • Xia Li
  • Select NXT Superstars

Wrestling Observer Live: WWE SmackDown, AEW Collision, Stardom

It’s Wrestling Observer Live Saturday with Jim Valley. 

On Smackdown, The Usos interfere in a match – AGAIN! Like death, taxes, and Groundhog Day, The Usos interfering in a match seems inevitable these days. 

With the draft coming next week, how can any new talent move up when there’s no path to upward mobility. That’s why Roman Reigns needs to lose at least one title in the near future, as it will create more feuds and new matches. 

How much more wrestling programming will media executives want? If AEW Collision isn’t a hit, will it affect the whole industry? Plus talk on the AEW pillars, Stardom, Steve Maclin, and more. Check it out.

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WWE SmackDown video highlights: Matt Riddle vs. Solo Sikoa no DQ match

A no disqualification match took place in the main event of last night’s episode of SmackDown.

Matt Riddle was out for revenge after being buried under the announce table by Solo Sikoa last week. Riddle got a fast start to the no DQ match, surprising Sikoa by attacking him from behind. Riddle was even able to bury Sikoa under the announce table later in the match. But interference by The Usos would lead to Riddle losing.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn weren’t at SmackDown to help Riddle. He managed to fight off The Usos on his own, but Sikoa then emerged from under the table. Sikoa hit a uranage on the ring apron and went for the Samoan Spike. Riddle blocked it, but Sikoa connected with the Spike when Riddle ran at him. Sikoa then pinned Riddle to get the win.

Following the match, The Usos put Riddle through a table with the 1D.

Sikoa & The Usos are facing Riddle, Owens & Zayn in a six-man tag match at Backlash on Saturday, May 6. Before that, Owens & Zayn will defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles against The Usos on SmackDown next Friday.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar vs. Damian Priest & Finn Balor

Zelina Vega wants a SmackDown Women’s Championship match at Backlash

Shinsuke Nakamura shows why he’s the King of Strong Style

Karrion Kross vows to take away Shinsuke Nakamura’s honor

Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. The Viking Raiders

Rodriguez & Morgan vs. Deville & Green for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles

Gunther vs. Xavier Woods for the Intercontinental title

No DQ match: Matt Riddle vs. Solo Sikoa

SmackDown fallout: Xavier Woods doesn’t know what to do next

SmackDown fallout: Ricochet & Strowman are eyeing a Tag Team title shot