Controversies, Off-Script Moments, and What Lies Ahead for the “King of Bros”

Matt Riddle’s exit from WWE, following closely on the heels of a series of roster cuts, has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. The circumstances surrounding his release have now come to light, painting a picture of a talented yet controversial figure.

Beyond the well-publicized incident at JFK Airport, Riddle’s name was also embroiled in the scandal of a leaked intimate tape, an event that transpired post his rehab stint. This rehab period saw him absent from the squared circle for a significant part of 2022.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Riddle faced internal backlash for deviating from the script during a live promo. He unexpectedly touched upon Randy Orton’s injury, a move that didn’t sit well with the backstage officials. The report stated, “While Riddle’s promo was lauded for its authenticity, it wasn’t in line with the script. Subsequently, his on-screen role was that of a likable babyface, delivering commendable matches and portraying his signature naive stoner persona. However, he was predominantly used to elevate emerging heels, evident from his repeated losses to stars like Gunther.”

Insiders also highlighted that Riddle had the potential to be one of WWE’s top talents. Yet, the continuous controversies surrounding him meant that the company was hesitant to elevate him beyond a certain point.

As for Riddle’s future, there’s buzz about Impact Wrestling showing interest. However, with his undeniable talent, there might be other promotions willing to onboard him, especially those that offer a more flexible approach to scripting.

While Riddle’s WWE release surprised many fans, it wasn’t solely about financial decisions or his in-ring prowess. His repeated entanglements in controversies seemed to overshadow his capabilities, culminating in his departure.