WWE issues no tolerance statement, Riddle, Ligero & Devlin deny claims
In a dizzying two days of sexual abuse and misconduct accusations throughout the pro wrestling industry, three WWE talents issued denials Friday afternoon as the company released their own statement outlining a zero tolerance policy toward domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault.
From WWE:
“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. WWE’s ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE.”
Matt Riddle, who was accused of sexual abuse Friday from female wrestler Candy Cartwright, tweeted a brief statement from his lawyer:
“The allegations by this independent female performer are completely false and another attempt to harass and humiliate Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and to try to tarnish 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 Circuit Court for Orange County, Florida.”
Riddle’s debut in-ring performance for WWE SmackDown Friday is still moving forward as planned.
Following accusations of abuse Thursday from a female that included pictures of bruising, co-NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin issued a denial Friday via three tweets which are combined below for clarity:
“I didn’t even want to address the hurtful allegation made against me, but for the sake of my followers and friends on this platform that may for whatever reason be unsure, I’m going to address this once. The recent allegation made against me is completely and utterly false and I deny it entirely. This is a case of a malicious personal agenda being executed against me on the back of a very brave telling of true experiences by other women. I completely denounce it. This is all I will say on the matter, and I am now working with a legal team to help decide how to proceed from here.”
Devlin has been off WWE TV due to pandemic related travel issues.
Additionally, Ligero, who was also accused of misconduct, denied the allegations over several tweets:
“The current story that has been released by Violet O’Hara/Claire-Michelle Oldfield is neither accurate nor true. This is a completely false allegation and whilst I’ve done other things in my life that I deeply regret, this isn’t an accurate or truthful portrayal of events. This is something I strongly deny and is something I’ve been in the process of speaking to a legal team about.”
He later added over several tweets:
“Regarding the other statements from people like Laura, Natalie who have spoken out about the way they were made to feel, and others that have come forward about unwanted messages, I have no excuse. It’s inappropriate, it’s an embarrassment and it’s an absolute shameful way to act from someone in a position of trust. I sincerely apologise for my actions and any hurt I’ve caused. I have no justification of my actions in the slightest. In these situations, I have failed people as a friend, as a fiancée and as a decent human being.”