Matt Riddle wants to explore free agency after a few years in WWE. He was cut from the company in 2023, along with many other superstars. Although he’s making strides on the independent wrestling scene, another year in WWE could’ve earned him a big payday.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Riddle shared that he believes there were several reasons he was let go, including his airport incident and failed drug test. He also shared that he was set to make $1 million before he was released, which could have influenced WWE’s decision.
“…It was written in my contract that I was going to make a $1 million this upcoming year guaranteed, which was a lot more than I was making last year and a lot more than what I was making a year before that, so I think there were multiple variables that played into my departure,” said Riddle.
‘The King Of Bros’ also addressed if he believes WWE merging with UFC to form TKO Group Holding was a factor in being released. Riddle was a former UFC fighter and had issues with the organization. However, he thinks his contract was the more significant reason for his departure.
Matt Riddle Thinks Contract Played Bigger Role In Departure Than WWE & UFC Merging
When responding to Helwani’s question about TKO Group Holding playing a role in his release, Riddle believes it was minimal if it did. He feels the pay increase and his value at the time hurt his chances of sticking around with the company.
“…I think at the end of the day, it was a complete business move and one thing that I have noticed with all of these guys, just like I failed a bunch of drug tests and got fired from the UFC. Other people have failed drug tests and still have jobs,” said Riddle. He continued, “…I think, for the most part, it was a money thing. I think maybe my value went down a little bit, and for the amount they were still paying me or guaranteed to pay me, I honestly think that played a bigger factor than anything.”
Riddle noted that talent like Mustafa Ali and Nic Nemeth were let go, so the company wasn’t just looking at behind-the-scenes issues and was trying to cut costs.
Since then, WWE hasn’t had mass talent releases, and the hope is that they won’t anytime soon.
