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Home / Sport

WWE Rich Swann 'suspended indefinitely' for alleged domestic violence

By Cheree Kinnear
NZ Herald·
10 Dec, 2017 07:38 PM2 mins to read

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WWE wrestler Rich Swann is being held in custody after a kidnap and battery arrest. Photo / WWE

WWE wrestler Rich Swann is being held in custody after a kidnap and battery arrest. Photo / WWE

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WWE wrestler Richard Allen "Rich" Swann has been 'suspended indefinitely' after he was arrested for suspected kidnapping and battery.

The Sun reported that the 26-year-old has been charged with battery and false imprisonment after police say an argument broke out between Swann and his wife, Vannarah Riggs.

The couple reportedly began an argument earlier in the evening which witness's have said escalated to Swann using a headlock and Riggs later jumping out of a slow-moving car.

The former one-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion was arrested in Florida and is due to appear in court Monday.

In Florida, kidnapping/false imprisonment is a third-degree felony punishable for up to five years and Battery is a first degree misdemeanour with a penalty of up to one year behind bars.

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BREAKING NEWS: WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, and per our policy, Rich Swann has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest. https://t.co/7GBJIu3Tyu

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2017

"WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, and per our policy, Rich Swann has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest," WWE said in a statement.

Swann, who was last seen on WWE TV on Tuesday when he defeated Tony Nese, was reported to be held in custody at the Alachua County Jail.

The American was signed for WWE in 2015 as part of the cruiserweight division after forging his career at Dragon Gate in Japan and US independent promotions EVOLVE.

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Lost both his parents at a young age, lived in rough neighborhoods and homelessness. But no excuse for domestic violence. Knowing everything Rich Swann overcame to get to #WWE makes this story especially disappointing.

— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) December 10, 2017

Swann previously spoke out about how wrestling saved his life after both his parents passed away.

On the first-ever episode in November 2016 on 205 Live he claimed the Cruiserweight title when he defeated Brian Kendrick for the strap.

He dropped the belt to Newcastle-born Neville at the Royal Rumble in January.

Swann was due to battle Drew Gulak in a number one contenders match for the Cruiserweight title.

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