EDIT: Link to Post Wrestling Article
PWInsider is quoting PostWrestling.com but it’s Mike Johnson so the story is likely vetted.
PostWrestling.com is reporting that TNA has suspended former TNA Champion Rich Swann after they became aware that Swann was arrested this past June and charged with disorderly public intoxication and causing a disturbance, a misdemeanor offense. TNA stated to PostWrestling.com that they were not aware of Swann’s 6/8 arrest until being asked for comment.
Swann was released on a $250 bond on 6/9. He has a case hearing this week in Florida.
It should be noted that on his Facebook page, Swann has posted numerous times in recent months that he has been alcohol free, which would line up with right after the arrest.
“TNA Wrestling takes any and all charges against its performers seriously,” TNA told POST Wrestling in a statement. “Rich Swann is responsible for his own personal actions. He has informed TNA Wrestling that he is voluntarily entering into a substance abuse rehabilitation program. TNA Wrestling has suspended Rich pending the completion of its investigation into the incidents.”
Swann had been paired with AJ Francis as First Class in recent months.
I hope rehab can help him out
I hope so or the NWA’s calling.
Is the NWA the deepest pit of wrestling hell right now?
Next to tiny ass indies in Mexico, si.
The fact that he seemingly hid it as well isn’t a great fucking idea.
Something about Rich Swan I never liked. He gives me the vibe of being awful.
I’m not saying he’s awful, but he’s similar to Jeff Hardy in terms of just when you think he’s learned he relapses, and that’s true of many addicts but it’s still hard to trust him with a main program going forward. I’d say the silver lining appears to be his choice of drunkeness is at least not behind the wheel but it’s still disturbing.
I remember when he got released from WWE is when he had an incident with Su Young in 2017 where he was accused of false imprisonment and domestic battery after witnesses said they were in an argument she left the car and he put her in a headlock and drug her back to the car. Those charges were later dropped but WWE fired him 2 months later.
The Post Wrestling article says this is his second time of being drunk and disorderly at the apartment complex, last time in 2022 he had to pay a $351 fine.
PostWrestling.com is reporting that TNA has suspended former TNA Champion Rich Swann after they became aware that Swann was arrested this past June and charged with disorderly public intoxication and causing a disturbance, a misdemeanor offense. TNA stated to PostWrestling.com that they were not aware of Swann’s 6/8 arrest until being asked for comment.
Swann was arrested after he allegedly attempted to enter an apartment that PostWrestling.com stated was a short walk from his own at 9:50 PM, noting,“Swann possibly mistook the apartment for his own home.” Swann allegedly told the home owner that it was actually Swann’s home. The home owner brandished a firearm and Swann left the premises. The Police were called but the home owner did not wish to press charges, even though there was damage to his front door.
PostWrestling.com’s report also stated that authorities received another call from a woman who claimed that Swann had approached her and tried to speak to her, but she asked him not to follow her and ran into her home. She alleged Swann had followed her to her door. Swann was taken into custody with PostWrestling citing:
"The police report describes Swann as incoherent and appearing to be intoxicated. Hoskins reported he smelled alcohol on Swann’s breath, that his eyes were glassy, and his speech was slurred.[Officer] Hoskins wrote in the report: “I asked if Richard had any drinks containing alcohol. He stated that he did. When asked how many, he stated, ‘A lot.’ I asked Richard when did he start to drink and he told me around 1900 hours,” about three hours earlier.“[Swann’s] actions while intoxicated caused multiple disturbances and his behavior caused several residents concern for their safety,” Hoskins wrote, explaining his reason for charging Swann."Swann was released on a $250 bond on 6/9. He has a case hearing this week in Florida.
It should be noted that on his Facebook page, Swann has posted numerous times in recent months that he has been alcohol free, which would line up with right after the arrest.
“TNA Wrestling takes any and all charges against its performers seriously,” TNA told POST Wrestling in a statement. “Rich Swann is responsible for his own personal actions. He has informed TNA Wrestling that he is voluntarily entering into a substance abuse rehabilitation program. TNA Wrestling has suspended Rich pending the completion of its investigation into the incidents.”
Swann had been paired with AJ Francis as First Class in recent months.
Not defending Swann’s actions here, he clearly needs to stay sober, but it is possibly the most MURICA thing I’ve read today to flash a gun at a drunk who is clearly confused about being at the wrong door.
I’ve had this happen to me a few times over the years - Newcastle has more than it’s fair share of drunks and pissed up tourists - if you stay calm, be patient, and repeat yourself a lot, you’ll be fine.
But getting aggressive is unbelievably stupid behaviour, which has the very real possibility of rapidly escalating the situation should the confused drunk also be carrying.
