After having battery and kidnapping charges against him dismissed, the WWE and Rich Swann have mutually agreed to part ways, the company announced on its website – wishing him “the best in all of his future endeavors.”
In Gainesville, Florida, the former Cruiserweight Champion was arrested on Dec. 10 2017 after allegedly attacking his wife, Vannarah Riggs (who competes as Su Yung in the independent wrestling circuit).
The police report outlined that the two got into a verbal argument after Swann criticized Riggs’ wrestling match earlier that evening. As the conversation reached a tense point, Riggs exited their vehicle and began walking away. Swann allegedly put her in a headlock and forced her back into the car. Swann denied that he physically attacked her, and was immediately suspended by the WWE.
Prosecutors refused to press charges against Swann, citing “insufficient evidence,” in the case. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon did warn that he would be released immediately if convicted.
After working for multiple promotions – including Combat Zone Wrestling andMaryland Championship Wrestling – Swann joined the WWE in 2015 and was assigned to its NXT brand.
Swann then became a member of the newly formed Cruiserweight Division in Aug. 2016. Three months later, he defeated Brian Kendrick on an episode of 205 Live to become the Cruiserweight Champion. Swann held the title until the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, where he lost to Neville.
Swann was set to face Drew Gulak on the Dec. 11 episode of Monday Night Raw, to see who would face Enzo Amore for the Cruiserweight Champion. Swann was arrested the day before and received a suspension immediately.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Swann. Though he’s obviously a talented superstar who’s just entering his wrestling prime at 27 years of age, this battery/kidnapping case could cause other promotions to stay away. We’ll find out soon enough if Swann finds works elsewhere.
Comments
Post a Comment