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Samantha Tavel, known in wrestling circles as Candy Cartwright filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Matt Riddle, EVOLVE Wrestling Inc., Gabe Sapolsky and WWE this week.
The lawsuit alleges Matt Riddle sexually assaulted Tavel from 2017 – 2020. She claims she had bookings with both WWE and EVOLE in January 2020. She states Riddle informed WWE and EVOLVE to not book her for appearances after she refused to perform sexual acts on him.
David Bixenspan of Babyface v. Heel has obtained an email reportedly sent to Tavel from Drake Wuertz, who serves as a referee and extra talent booker for WWE.
Samantha I regret to Inform you that we have to cancel your booking for this Wednesday February 5th as well as March 4th. Apparently there were some past issues I wasn’t aware of you and one of our talent that would not make for an Ideal work environment.
Good luck to you In your career.
Drake Wuertz NXT Senior Official / Extra Talent Liaison.
WWE issued the following statement to Heel By Nature Thursday evening regarding the lawsuit.
“WWE has not been served with a lawsuit by Ms. Tavel. However, if served, we will vigorously defend ourselves and contest it.”
It should be noted, Tavel claims she lost EVOLVE bookings in March, but did appear as a social media ambassador for EVOLVE 146 that same month.
Just about ready to start #evolve146 keep it here for backstage access from our social media ambassador @CandyCartwright or follow along on our Instagram story: @WWNEVOLVE pic.twitter.com/IMdbQ6cFcE
— EVOLVE Wrestling (@WWNEVOLVE) March 1, 2020
You can read Tavel’s entire complaint. (Warning: contains information about sexual assault)