Davey Richards has announced his retirement (Picture: MLW)
Davey Richards has retired from professional wrestling amid allegations of domestic violence.
The former Ring of Honor and IMPACT Wrestling star denied the allegations after a number of promotions – including Prestige Wrestling, St. Louis Anarchy and Team Ambition Wrestling School – cut ties with him following allegations made by an ex partner.
In an initial statement to PWInsider, Richards – whose real name is Wesley David Richards – said: ‘Hello everyone – Wow, what a couple of days. There are allegations of Domestic Violence against me.
‘The allegations I adamantly deny and if you look on casenet in MO under my name Wesley David Richards you’ll see there are no charges filed against me.
‘However, I do understand the industry’s stance on this matter. Everyone should feel safe at shows and I do not want to be the person whom damages that.’
He added that a photo being shared of the person’s eye is ‘from training’, claiming they ‘regulatory train in martial arts as many of the students have have got black eyes and such (sic)’.
He continued: ‘Again, no charges were filed and I deny these allegations but I must do what is right and not what I want. So I am canceling myself.
‘This great sport is far too wonderful for anyone, including myself to tarnish it. I will wrap up my shows this weekend and I will be retiring from professional wrestling. Please continue to support Team Ambition and this sport.’
In a later statement to Wrestling Inc., he again denied the allegations and suggested it’s his ‘time to step aside’.
He said: ‘I have not been arrested and no charges have been filed and I maintain these allegations are 100% false.
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‘Maybe it’s just my time to step aside. I don’t want to affect anyone or any promotion. People need this sport — it gives them a place of belonging and hope, I don’t want to be the one to take that away or tarnish it.
‘I’ll be okay, and boy will I miss you all.’
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The former world champion has denied the allegations.