Gabe Sapolsky states that he's not comfortable advertising Davey Richards for upcoming event

Dragon Gate USA and Evolve booker Gabe Sapolsky issued a statement in which he stated that he is not comfortable advertising Davey Richards for the Evolve 25 main event. "Davey Richards is an elite talent in the ring," Sapolsky wrote. "There is no question about his work ethic and ability. However, when we book a talent we look at both in-ring ability and out-of-the-ring character. Although Davey has made an offer that shows a maturity and a desire to make amends, I still have trust issues. There is nothing more important to me than delivering what we advertise. Sometimes, it is impossible due to injury or travel issues, but I was burned too bad in the past with Davey.

"However, I have seen your tweets, Facebook messages, emails and overall demand to see Davey Richards wrestle in EVOLVE. I do admit that the idea of Davey Richards, the winner of the first EVOLVE main event, finally returning to take on EVOLVE Champion AR Fox on the 25th card is very intriguing. Fox, who is approaching one-year as champion, has also asked for this match. Fox has been a fighting champion who has given us an unique and exciting title reign. At this point, he deserves to get a match that he wants.

"The bottom line is I just don't feel comfortable advertising Davey Richards, especially for a main event title match on EVOLVE 25. So we will go with this compromise. EVOLVE Champion AR Fox will have an open contract at the EVOLVE 25 live iPPV at WWNLive.com from Ybor City, FL on January 10th. If Davey wants to show up, he can sign the contract. If not, I'm sure someone else who will be a strong challenger for the title will emerge. The scheduled Roderick Strong vs. Uhaa Nation match will now be for a title shot of their choice in the future.

"In closing, I just want to take a moment and thank AR Fox for an amazing year as EVOLVE Champion. Fox has exemplified the athleticism and creativity we hoped the EVOLVE Champion would represent. From impromptu title matches to inventing new moves, Fox has risen to the role of champion. We look forward to his biggest title defense yet at EVOLVE 25. Thank you for reading." For more on the Evolve 25 iPPV, visit DGUSA.tv.

Powell's POV: So the new lineup for the show features A.R. Fox with an open contract to defend the Evolve Title, and Roderick Strong vs. Uhaa Nation in a winner gets a title shot match. In other words, the winner of that match could theoretically challenge for the title that night if Richards doesn't show up. Sapolsky is either shooting straight about his feelings on Richards and/or trying to create some intrigue as to whether or not Richards will show up. Either way, it works to Evolve's advantage, but it is another embarrassing moment for Richards involving an independent promotion. Keep in mind, that Ring of Honor pulled him from the Final Battle lineup and stated that it was due to Davey's "unprofessionalism and unreliability." Richards and tag partner Eddie Edwards worked the last NXT taping, but there are already rumblings that they may not return at the next taping in January. The guy I really feel bad for is Edwards, who has a very good reputation with promoters, yet is tied to Richards to some extent due to their successful tag act.