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Backstage News On Creative Plans For Matt Riddle Prior To WWE Release

By Craig Ballantyne • Published 5th October 2023
Matt Riddle on the mic

WWE had “significant” plans for Matt Riddle before his release.

Riddle was arguably the highest-profile star to be let go from the company on September 21st. Unlike the other names to be released, though, The Original Bro’s departure came under a dark cloud.

At the time the news broke, Riddle had already been off TV for some time following an incident that saw him accuse a Port Authority officer at JFK airport of sexual assault. Reports later surfaced that Riddle had been spoken to by officers in relation to claims that he had been acting unruly and video footage of his conduct has now emerged online.

Before the star was taken off TV, he had been part of a storyline which saw him teaming with Drew McIntyre with the pair feuding with the Viking Raiders and New Day.

Now, a new report has emerged from WrestleVotes revealing that WWE had “significant” plans for the team, and merchandise was being created for them using the team name “McRiddle.”

“Prior to his departure from the company, I’m told there were significant plans for a Matt Riddle / Drew McIntyre tag team. So much so, various merchandise items were designed with the team name……. “McRiddle.” This is not a joke.”

Multiple companies interested in Matt Riddle

Despite the way he exited WWE, there are still said to be many options open for Matt Riddle’s future. According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this includes both WWE and MMA promotions.

Meltzer noted that “most pro wrestling companies of any size” have already expressed an interest as well as PFL and Bare Knuckle Fighting.

Where Riddle ends up next remains to be seen, and with a 90-day no-compete clause in his contract, it is unlikely we will find out before the end of 2023.