Just recently, a pro wrestling show called “Wrestling 4 Women’s Charity” was advertised to take place on Saturday, March 20th in Jackson, Tennessee. A number of wrestlers were advertised to appear on the show, including AEW Stars Sonny Kiss and Brian Cage, among others, but one of the other talents who’s face was on the show poster was Joey Ryan, who has been away from pro wrestling after he was named by a number of individuals in last year’s #SpeakingOut movement.
In June of 2020, Joey Ryan was released from his IMPACT Wrestling deal after a number of people filed a case against him. He would then file multiple lawsuits against his accusers, requesting damages for negligent infliction of emotional distress, for libel against him and for compensatory damages. There were then reports earlier in the month that some of these cases have been dismissed.
Questions then began making the rounds all over the internet of Ryan’s involvement in such a show and it was found that Bar Wrestling, which is a wrestling promotion Joey Ryan owns, was the one behind it and the one putting on the show.
Several wrestlers then stated that they had no idea Joey Ryan was involved with this show and AEW CEO Tony Khan even said on Twitter that AEW talents will not be involved if Joey Ryan is there. After the negative backlash from fans and wrestlers alike, the event’s official Twitter has since announced the entire show has been cancelled and deleted its previous tweets.
You can check out the posts below:
Wait if he’s behind this (is he?), then is this charity even legit?
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 2, 2021
It’s not, this “show” has been cancelled every time its tried to take place a few yrs ago in NC.
— Swolenko: Big Swole® (@SwoleWorld) March 2, 2021
Purposefully not informing involved talent is also disgusting
— EFFY (@EFFYlives) March 2, 2021
I will not be involved in this show in anyway I was mislead of the purpose of this show. https://t.co/Alh3CMlIow
— KING MV (@THEonlyMVYoung) March 2, 2021
Joey Ryan booked it pic.twitter.com/2yTyubBpWh
— Tawney Estrella (@LaDamaDemente) March 2, 2021
We apologize for riling everyone up. It is clear that we’re in over our heads.
We’ll say that everybody booked was fully aware of all details including going through AEW’s 3rd party booking system for talent.
Rather than put talent in a tough situation, we’ve canceled the show.
— Wrestling For Women’s Charity (@Wrestling4WC) March 2, 2021
