Matt Riddle's WWE Raw Absence Unrelated To Airport Incident

Matt Riddle found himself at the centre of controversy once again in recent days after he accused a New York City airport policeman of sexual assault. Riddle made the allegation in a since-deleted Instagram post. The matter is under investigation at the Port Authority department, although reports have indicated that officers were called to JFK International Airport over a disorderly person who was deplaning. Riddle and other witnesses were spoken to and everyone was free to go without incident. Riddle reportedly seemed apologetic at the time. 

It emerged following the incident that Riddle had been pulled from the September 11 edition of Monday Night Raw, with the word backstage at Raw being that Riddle was dealing with an illness. The former United States Champion is not expected to be involved at WWE house shows this coming weekend in Idaho and Washington State. 

Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio has since reported Riddle being removed from Raw was unrelated to the airport incident and he is actually suffering from an illness. Riddle was reportedly dealing with a double ear infection and bronchitis and his absence from Raw was not because WWE are punishing him over the incident. 

If Riddle will be back on WWE TV for next week's edition of Monday Night Raw remains to be seen. The Original Bro has been a featured talent on WWE TV since his return from WWE-sponsored rehab on the Raw after WrestleMania 39. Riddle most recently has appeared on TV as part of a tag team with Drew McIntyre.