Hours prior to Matt Riddle to making his debut on SmackDown, his name has surfaced among a list of many wrestlers accused of abusing women. WWE is looking into the matter and there are questions as to how this will affect his debut or plans moving forward.
As of now, Riddle's name has been brought forward and he has not publicly commented on the accusations, but WWE has responded to the news his name is among many who have been accused of physical and emotional abused, and/or rape. The allegation comes from WWN wrestler/valet Candy Cartwright and she says the incident happened in 2018 shortly before Riddle debuted in WWE.
Among the things included in Candy Cartwright’s tweets:
“I’m posting this because I have been so sad for so long. I didn’t realize that what he did to me was not ok. I realize now, reading these other brave women’s stories, that I can’t be afraid anymore and I have to #speakout”
... “Back in May of 2018 I was riding with Matt Riddle and a few other wrestlers. During the van ride, when the 3 other wrestlers had fallen asleep, Matt asked me to “hop on his d*ck”. When I refused (although we had previously been together I was incredibly uncomfortable in that setting ) When I said no, he grabbed me by my throat, choked me and said “what if I just made you?” I ended up giving him oral sex (praying someone wouldn’t wake up) to get out of having intercourse with him. It was incredibly humiliating. It is never ok to put your hands on a woman, it’s also not ok to not listen when she says no.”
While Riddle denies the accusations in direct messages to some who have reached out to ask, he hasn't commented or posted anything on social media since the accusations surfaced. He does admit to knowing Cartwright and says both he and his wife had been trying to remove her from their lives.
In those DM's Riddle claims that the accuser is lying. According to screenshots of conversations, he claims this person has been stalking him and his wife, he's had to change his number multiple times and that he almost got a restraining order. Riddle's wife has told a similar story. Further to that, reports are that Riddle may have gone directly to WWE to tell his side of the story and make sure they are aware of the alleged incidences.
You can see the messages below. ** Please note, there is some foul language being used.
Update: **
Riddle's lawyer has released a statement (keep in mind, the statement appears to have been printed on sticky labels):
PRESS RELEASE — REGARDING MATT RIDDLE
The allegations by this independent female performer arc completely false and another attempt to harass and humiliate Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and to try to tamish their reputation in the community. We have been aware for the last two years of this performer stalking the Riddle family. In 2019, our firm had drafted a pleading against this performer to seek an injunction for cyberstalking in the Grant Court for Orange County, Florida
For fans wondering if he will still debut on SmackDown tonight. it appears so. WWE posted a promotion for his debut and it seems as though things will go ahead.
WWE Responds to Allegations
Like they did when Jordan Devlin's name was included in the list of allegations, WWE issued the following statement in regards to Matt Riddle being accused of rape in 2018: “We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter.” They did add in a note to WrestlingInc.
"Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions. WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated."
If more information becomes available on this story, we'll be sure to update the post here.