Report: WWE Has Known Of Matt Riddle Abuse Allegations For 2 Years

WWE had known of the sexual assault allegations levied against Matt Riddle for at least two years before they were made public knowledge as part of the ongoing #SpeakingOut movement last week.

This is according to Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, stating that nothing has come out that the promotion isn't already aware of.

Based on the information made available to him, Meltzer had the impression that the allegations were "settled" from a WWE standpoint, though he also points out that this was previously the case with Lars Sullivan's message board history, with the absent big man retrospectively punished when sponsors got involved.

Riddle was the subject of claims from Candy Cartwright, an indie wrestler and valet who would have likely crossed paths with Riddle in EVOLVE. WWE then made a statement on the matter, claiming they were looking into it, before Riddle's SmackDown debut went ahead as planned.

Riddle's attorney, Daniel J. Rose, then issued a full legal statement reiterating their stance that the claims made against his client were "completely false and another attempt to harass and humiliate Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and try to tarnish their reputation."