Davey Richards Was Approached By AEW For Huge Match Before Retirement

Davey Richards gained recognition for his amazing work on the independent wrestling circuit that included multiple title wins. Unfortunately for Richards, things took a turn for the worse after a series of domestic violence allegations came to the fore. The controversy led to several wrestling promotions cutting ties with the veteran pro wrestler.

Davey Richards’ sudden retirement from pro wrestling amid the allegations sparked a new debate on social media as well. The 40-year-old denied the allegations in a statement, noting he felt it was the right decision to retire. Richards notified he’ll be wrapping up his wrestling career this weekend.

Sean Sapp provided the latest update on the Davey Richards situation behind Fightful’s paywall. According to the report, Davey’s deal with his home promotion Major League Wrestling had effectively finished in February. The report went on to add that Richards was in contact with AEW for a huge match before his abrupt retirement.

Davey Richards is on the outs in wrestling, retiring amidst several domestic violence allegations.

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Many asked about Richards’ status with Major League Wrestling, and Fightful Select revealed that he was effectively finished with the company in February. Originally the deal between the two sides was set to go longer, but MLW looked to distance themselves after a pattern of odd behavior unfolded.

Richards had served as an agent/producer for a bit last year, and we’re told that things started off okay, but numerous wrestlers had complained –including several that spoke directly to Fightful — saying that some of the recommendations Richards made for their matches was puzzling.

We’re also told that MLW and NWA actually got in contact with one another after Richards sought out an NWA booking, saying he was contractually available. He actually wasn’t, but MLW and NWA ended up making it worked and it ended up working to the benefit of both companies. He was also allowed to work IMPACT, and IMPACT sent Sami Callihan to work a date for MLW. There was also a situation where Davey Richards had claimed he was approached by AEW to work a match with Bryan Danielson. However, we’re told that while Richards had contact with Sonjay Dutt, AEW had let MLW know that Richards wasn’t planned to come in. Instead, AEW went with Timothy Thatcher, believing he was a more suitable opponent.

The match between Timothy Thatcher and Bryan Danielson took place on the February 1, 2023, episode of Dynamite. The American Dragon would eventually pick up the win with a Busaiku Knee.

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