Two weekends ago, at EVOLVE 72, Joey Styles made an off-color joke, referencing President-Elect Donald Trump's quote from the "Access Hollywood" video. After the event, he was immediately fiđ red backstage by EVOLVE boss Gabe Sapolsky. Later, Styles was fired by two other promotions that he was involved with, Beyond and CHIKARA. Many assumed this was because the joke referenced Trump, and the firing was for "political" reasons, in more ways thđŠ©an one.
But Fightful's own Matt Riddle, who wrestled at EVOLVE 72 and was backstage at the time of Styles' remark, said during our wđ eekly podcast with him that he believes the firing was for an entirely different reason.
"I think thereâs a big misconception, or a big miscommunication of why Joey was fired," Riddle said. "I like Joey, Iâm a fan, Iâm a friend, Joey wasnât fired for what he said, itâs not like the joke he said, itâs what we were told not to say before the event started, in an e-mail that Friday, and then his delivery of what he said, he literally said âI know we were told not to say this,â and then said something, and itâs like 'BRO.' I was literally right behind the curtain, and I was like âThis is outrageous.â Gabe was not too happy. ... I would say visibly angry was an understatement."
The reason for the warning e-mail was evident to Riddle. âYou know, the election just happened, we donât want to play into either side," he said. "Wrestling is like a fun escape ⊠(A joke) is not worth the cheap pop or the cheap heat. ⊠That was in the e-mail. Like I said, it had nothing to do with Joey Stylesâs political views, or freedom of speech; you can say anything you want for the most part, but at the same time itâs a show, youâve gotta run it by the boss."
Riddle also thinks there's another possible reason for the firing, and it has to do with EVOLVE's new partner, as well as it's biggest partner. "Another big thing is it was FloSlamâs first LiveStream of the program, and we still have a working relationship with the WWE, like (NXT General Manager William) Regal was there the next day, and no disrespect to Joey Styles because I like him, but you donât need anybody that isnât going to listen to the rules. It's kind of a liability."
When asked about Beyond and CHIKARA also ending their relationship with Styles. He believes they fired him for the same reason EVOLVE did: For not obeying the rules. "Honestly, I donât disagree with either promotion, thatâs their business," he said. "If they choose to sever ties with somebody because they didnât follow the rules, to me thatâs smart, because thatâs a liability."
Mađłtt Riddle does a podcast with Fightful Managing Editor Sean Ross Sapp every Thursday that is exclusive to Fightful members only.â You can register for a free 365betvisa-slots.com account by using our 'log in' button.
