Original Deal With Matt Riddle Didn’t Include Early Arrival or Charity Angle

Matt Riddle has already addressed the drama surrounding his no-show at GWK’s debut UK event, shutting down accusations that he bailed on a charity show and refused to return his deposit.

Now, Ringside News has learned new behind-the-scenes details that further explain what really went down—making it clear this wasn’t as simple as promoters originally claimed.

In his own words, Riddle explained he wasn’t skipping out—he was fulfilling other bookings and had no reason to sit in London for two unscheduled days.

“I had nothing scheduled. What, I was gonna sit in a hotel room for two days in London? I told you multiple times I can’t do that, I wouldn’t do that, and I had work on Friday, Saturday, even Thursday. And I told you I’d fly to London on Saturday evening. You said you’d pay for it, and I said, ‘No, take it out of my pay, whatever.’ You guys refused.”

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Riddle went on to wrestle in Miami that weekend and refuted claims about the event being a charity show.

“So I flew to Miami and wrestled there, alright? Also, I never said I wouldn’t pay you guys back. That’s a lie. And this show wasn’t a charity event. That’s another lie, a last-second change. You also booked me the worst flight in history, bro—middle seat, no meal, no bag. GWK, this is probably your last run.”

While Riddle already made his side public, Ringside News has now learned that GWK first contacted Riddle’s camp back in April, and there was no mention of a charity event at the time. That status was only added later, after venue changes were made and the marketing was adjusted.

When GWK first reached out, they requested promotional images for an August 31 appearance and pitched the idea of Riddle doing seminars from Wednesday to Friday, along with a Q&A. Riddle’s team responded that he was open to it—but only if compensated for those extra days. They also asked if GWK could help book additional UK events to justify the extended stay. No other bookings materialized.

Despite agreeing to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday appearances—including seminars and a meet & greet—the promoters still pushed for Riddle to fly in early by booking an earlier ticket. That wasn’t part of the agreement, and the dates and expectations were already locked in well before the venue change and the charity angle was added.

The bottom line? Riddle held up his end of the agreed-upon plan. It was the promotion that shifted things late in the game, while also failing to book him for the earlier dates they wanted covered.

Do you think GWK should’ve stuck to the original agreement? Or did they drop the ball by changing plans after the fact? Sound off in the comments and let us know where you stand.