WWE superstar Matt Riddle is reportedly expected to return to television next Monday (September 18) following an incident at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday (September 10), PWInsider reports.
Riddle, 37, was absent from Monday's (September 11) live broadcast of RAW, which was initially speculated to be in relation to being accused of disorderly conduct while deplaning at JFK, which he said claimed resulted in a Port Authority officer sexually assaulted him, however, was later reported to be due to an inner ear infection and bronchitis. The wrestler is reportedly expected to return for next week's episode of RAW in Salt Lake City, though his status for weekend house shows in Kennewick, Washington, and Boise, Idaho, wasn't made clear as of Thursday (September 14).
Riddle shared a since-deleted Instagram post that included an apparent photo of the officer he accused of sexually assaulting him.
"Nothing like being sexually assaulted by an officer and harassed at the JFK Airport," Riddle wrote. "No means no and just because i'm nice doesn't mean yes!!! A*****e!!! Don't know [their] Twitter or Instagram handles but I took pictures. Normally I'm like, 'whatever' but today was really weird and uncomfortable and they made a point to make me feel small and useless. Definitely one of the most uncomfortable travel days I've ever had thanks NYC you're so progressive and accepting!"
Law enforcement sources told TMZ Sports that Port Authority officers responded to a report of a disorderly person deplaning who they met in the terminal and identified as Riddle. Officers reportedly spoke to Riddle and other witnesses, at which point they said he seemed apologetic, sources told TMZ Sports.
No police report was filed in relation to the disorderly conduct incident, which is why the sources claimed they were surprised by the wrestler's since-deleted Instagram post. The department did, however, take Riddle's accusation seriously, which led to the launch of the investigation into the claim.
Riddle signed with WWE in 2018 after transitioning from mixed martial arts to professional wrestling in 2014, having held a career MMA professional record of 8-3, which included a four-fight winning streak in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The 37-year-old is a former United States champion, RAW tag team champion and NXT tag team champion.