WWE: Former Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann Arrested
Neville walked from the company and Austin Aries was released earlier this year, so the WWE 205 Live roster has already taken some big hits. Could they lose another member now that Rich Swann has been arrested?
Just about every month, there’s a news story within the wrestling world that can be described as “shocking”, but we were given a real “Holy ****” moment this morning.
According to Pro Wrestling Sheet’s Ryan Satin, Rich Swann was arrested on Sunday, December 10, at around midnight. The charges are quite serious, as Swann has been arrested for battery and kidnap/false imprisonment of an adult. As of right now, Swann is in jail in Alachua County.
No other details are known at this time, but I’m sure we’ll get some more clarity on this as the day unfolds. Satin and other insiders will be on this story, and it’s hard to downplay the severity of the charges. I can’t remember the last time we’ve seen such serious charges levied against an active wrestler in the WWE, and this could end up being the craziest story in wrestling in 2017.
Swann is a former Cruiserweight Champion, as he took the title from Brian Kendrick before dropping it to Neville at the Royal Rumble. He’s been an important part of the division, known for his dancing, Phoenix Splash, and solid matches. Lately, Swann has been tagging with Cedric Alexander, as the duo completed a feud with Kendrick and Jack Gallagher.
Depending on the fallout from this, Swann could be on his way out, leaving the 205 Live roster a little bit thinner on talent. That said, 205 Live did recently add former NXT and NOAH star Hideo Itami, who should entrench himself as the top star on the brand, especially after Enzo Amore’s time with the Cruiserweight Championship is over.
Next: Predicting All 30 Royal Rumble Entrants
Again, this is truly shocking news, and I can only hope the victim in this is OK. That’s the most important thing at this time as we wait for details, which could impact Swann’s future both in wrestling and beyond.