Matt Riddle faces backlash after no-show and controversial remarks

Former WWE star Matt Riddle has ignited a wave of controversy after reportedly failing to appear at a charity wrestling event in Barnsley, England, and making a series of public remarks about sexual assault and domestic violence that prompted at least one convention to cancel his scheduled appearance. The incidents unfolded in recent days and have drawn criticism from promoters, peers and fans while prompting refunds and a promise of donations to a survivors charity.

Promoters for the Global Wrestling Kingdom event said Riddle, booked months in advance through his manager, flagged concerns about a low-cost flight and two nights in a Barnsley hotel shortly before the show. Organizers told him they would try to arrange seminars so he could earn additional money while in the United Kingdom, but they said no seminars could be finalized on short notice. Riddle did not travel to the U.K., a driver waited for hours and organizers later received a message saying he had accepted another booking but might still attend. Promoters say Riddle did not respond to further messages and left the promotion having to refund meet-and-greet purchasers; they also said a deposit has not yet been...