Davey Richards has been one of the top independent stars over the past two decades, as well as one of the most legendary tag team wrestlers of all time.
As well as winning world championship gold as a singles star, he teamed with Eddie Edwards for many years, as the legendary tag team The American Wolves.
The duo won multiple ROH and TNA tag team titles together, to add to Richards’ litany of singles World title gold. Davey Richards was also voted “Most Outstanding Wrestler” in the Wrestling Observer Awards in 2011.
However, Davey Richards is now a husk of his former self, potentially retired from the ring after being disgraced, following a series of allegations that has tarnished his reputation in pro-wrestling.
What Happened To Davey Richards?
On March 17th, 2023, multiple promotions announced they had cut ties with Davey Richards, ending his long tenure in the wrestling business.
Team Ambition, Prestige Wrestling, and St. Louis Anarchy all released statements, revealing they were cutting ties with Davey Richards with immediate effect.
While little details were released about his alleged abuse, from a former partner, he immediately announced his retirement from wrestling (although whether he is truly is retired is disputed, and discussed later in this article).
In the statement, he categorically denied all allegations made against him, professing his innocence from all accusations made by his former partner.
Davey Richards also claimed that no criminal charges have been filed and there is no evidence this incident took place. He has stated he was retiring in order to not tarnish the reputations of his coworkers, training team and the wrestling industry as a whole
Davey Richards Had A Brief Run In The WWE In 2013
Alongside his long-time partner Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards was briefly signed to the WWE in 2013.
After their Ring of Honor contracts expired in August 2013, The American Wolves embarked on a try out with WWE, which was ultimately successful.
They were promptly snapped up to NXT contracts, and given new gimmicks in the company.
Renamed Derek Billington (Richards) and John Cahill (Edwards), they were renamed “the American Pitbulls”, a slight change from their famous tag team name.
The name “Derek Billington” was a clear reference to the Dynamite Kid (real name Tom Billington), who Richards was regularly compared to throughout his career.
There are many rumours about why Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards did not last long in NXT. The prevailing theory is that Richards instructed Edwards to go long in their debut match against the Ascension, which frustrated Triple H and cost them their jobs in the company.
The pair have never been re-signed to WWE, spending time mainly in ROH and TNA (Impact Wrestling) over the years.
Is Davey Richards Retired?
After his release from Impact Wrestling, due to the previously mentioned abuse allegations, Davey Richards released a statement confirming his retirement from wrestling.
Richards deleted his social media, but issued the following statement to PWInsider where he denied the allegations and stated he would be retiring from wrestling after his weekend bookings.
“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.
The pic being posted of my wife’s eye is from training and we regulatory train in martial arts as many of the students have have got black eyes and such.
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.
Davey”
The former ROH World Champion has been out of action since March of 2023, with many taking his at his word that Davey Richards was now retired from wrestling.
However, the 40-year-old released another statement in June 2023, regarding his current career. While he did not confirm his retirement, Davey Richards did claim that he would be content if this was the end of his career in pro-wrestling.
“The last 3 months have been – wow, tempestuous to say least. Things got very dark for awhile for me – at one point I planned on taking my own life. Sounds to surreal to think I was in that state. To have a couple bitter ex’s do through the trouble, turn, and effort to spread false information about me to destroy my wrestling career – a career that I came back to with no other intent then to just give back was harrowing. Worst – they succeeded in doing so.
I could have sought vengeance – but those whom seek vengeance should start by digging two graves. Since that time that accuser has admitted her claims were false and the other – well- that’s her cross to bear. I’ve dedicated my life to helping others through wrestling and medicine. To claim I was intentionally hurting others was heartbreaking. Worst again- everyone bought it. I really wanted to use my last year or so in wrestling to give back and give the vast amounts of knowledge back to the sport that has given me so much. But it looks like that was not meant to be.
But the darkest days always bring the brightest mornings. I’ve re – dedicated myself to my study of medicine, my love of grappling, and most of being a father. If I hold onto the bitterness and apathy as those whom tarnished my name then I am no better than them. So I forgive them. I was given a talent by God for wrestling and for medicine – no one can take that from me and it is my responsibility to use my talents and passion to help and serve humanity. Today I can say – I am happier than I have been in a very long time. I have peace and direction in life.
If this is the end of my in ring career – I am nothing but grateful for every time I got to step foot in that ring. Love me or hate me – I can say with complete honesty I gave you every thing I had in me every single time. Wrestling is good. Life is good. Love you all. Davey.”
We will update this post if there is any movement or change in the current status of Davey Richard’s career.