Matt Riddle, Global Wrestling Kingdom dispute heads toward settlement

Former WWE star Matt Riddle and UK promotion Global Wrestling Kingdom have publicly sparred over allegations that Riddle failed to appear for the promotion's Aug. 31 event, a dispute that appears to be winding toward a financial settlement even as questions about what happened remain unresolved. Global Wrestling Kingdom said this week that Riddle has returned the deposit he was paid and has pledged to reimburse additional expenses after reports that he no showed the show and did not return the money. Riddle has denied the noshow charge and disputed key aspects of the promotion's account.

Riddle was booked to face Simon Miller in the advertised main event at the first Global Wrestling Kingdom show. When he did not travel to the United Kingdom, the promotion replaced him with Grado. Reports identified the venue as taking place in Barnsley, though one initial account used a different town. The event was billed by the promotion as a fundraiser for homeless veterans and families affected by suicide bereavement, a characterization Riddle says was only added at the last minute.

In a video posted to social media and in a longer discussion on a podcast, Riddle said he repeatedly objected...