Matt Riddle Discusses WWE Exit
Matt Riddle says he has no hard feelings towards WWE.
Back in September 2022, the former MMA star was released by WWE after what they felt was one controversial incident too many. Just prior to his departure Matt Riddle had alleged he was sexually assaulted by a Port Authority officer on social media, before later deleting the post.
The star has been a controversial figure for years having previously been accused of sexual assault. In 2023 further allegations resurfaced, with claims from one female talent that Riddle undressed in front of them while working an independent event. Matt Riddle later denied the incident took place.
Speaking to Fox News, Riddle addressed his WWE departure but denied there were any issues between the two sides. The former United States Champion added that he loved every second of his time with the sports entertainment giant.
“I loved every second of it. I was a multiple-time tag-team champion with Randy [Orton], I was an NXT tag-team champion, I won the Dusty Cup Classic, I beat Bobby Lashley for the United States Championship, I wrestled multiple WrestleManias, Royal Rumbles.
No, I have no hard feelings. And I would just say, with WWE, they run a ship, they run it a certain way, and when you work for WWE, everything you do is under a magnifying glass. It doesn’t matter if you did anything wrong, if you did something right, if it was in between, it’s perception. And the WWE, unfortunately, if a situation happens, and they don’t like the perception, they make their decision. But I’m not going to argue with them. That’s their company. I don’t run it. I just worked there. I’m thankful that they gave me the time that they did and that’s all I can say.”
I have zero hard feelings. I don’t know if I can say that for them. They might have some hard feelings, but I feel like they’re pretty professional. They’re more about that paper, that money. So, I don’t think there’s any hard feelings. I mean, they did have to pay me for three months when I didn’t work. That was on them. They fired me.”
Matt Riddle Lays Down Challenge To NJPW Star
With his WWE non-compete period a thing of the past Riddle is determined to keep busy. The star is already scheduled to appear in MLW, where he’ll take on Jacob Fatu.
At NJPW New Year Dash, Matt Riddle also laid down a challenge to NJPW World TV champion Hiroshi Tanahashi via a vignette. Tanahashi — the new NJPW President, only captured the gold 24 hours earlier at Wrestle Kingdom 18 overcoming Zack Sabre Jr.