WWE released Matt Riddle in September 2023, and he had a lot going on in his life at the time. Now, as Riddle has transitioned to a life outside WWE, he can look back with a lot of introspection.
Matt Riddle is able to look back at his WWE exit, and he had a lot going on, from divorce to losing his best friend on the road. At this point, he just wants to get control of things, and he’s ready to do that.
Riddle Wants Control of His Life
Matt Riddle has already stated that he has no hard feelings over his WWE release. He has already returned to MLW, and he’s working for NJPW as well. Only time will tell if he ever goes to AEW, but the King of Bros seems to have a concentrated direction.
While speaking to TV Insider, Riddle stated that he is at a point in his life where he wants to get control of things.
I think I’m at a stage of my life where I want to get control of it. I want to be in control of it. That’s why when WWE let me go it was the best move for everyone at the time. WWE merged with UFC under TKO, not that it played a huge part but was probably the cherry on top. I do think at the end of the day the schedule was getting to me. I didn’t want to believe that. Having another kid is extremely stressful. I just bought a house. I’ve been taking care of a lot of things. When I was working for WWE, I never had a vacation. I never had one vacation day. The only time I took off was those two or three months when they sent me away to clean up. That was also on me.
Riddle went on to say that he was, “dealing with a divorce and other things while working as much as I did. Not being able to see my three kids that I have with my ex-wife. There were a lot of variables that played a part.”
RKBro Split Played A Part
Matt Riddle also spoke about Randy Orton, and how close they were. The Apex Predator went out of action for a 10-month hiatus due to needing back fusion surgery. This was also something that affected Riddle, because he lost a lot more than just a tag team partner.
“On top of that, Randy [Orton] was my best friend when we wrestled together and traveled together. He was helping me get through a lot of these things. We talked about him going through a divorce and things like that. When he got hurt, I felt on my own. I still had people in the locker room, but not with the same amount of life experience as Randy. He really opened up to me on a lot of things. Things happen for a reason. I think I had a great run with WWE. I got to team with Randy. RK-Bro was pretty sick. I got a great match with Roman [Reigns], been in Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and Survivor Series. You name it.”
Riddle’s Drug Use & WWE Release
Matt Riddle already confirmed that it was cocaine that led to his failed drug tests. WWE doesn’t even fine Superstars for testing positive for THC anymore, so popping for weed is not an infraction of the WWE Wellness Policy anymore.
Riddle’s release from WWE came after over two dozen infractions, some smaller than others, but he kept ruffling feathers. WWE higher ups could no longer make excuses for the Original Bro, or protect him.
The last straw was his inebriated escapade at JFK airport. He was heading home from WWE’s India live event at the time. After weeks of absence from television after that, he was fired in September 2023.
Riddle also stated that he is not surprised by the allegations against Vince McMahon in Janel Grant’s lawsuit. Other Superstars have returned in the past, so we will have to see if Riddle gets another chance with WWE after so much has changed.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, so please keep checking back throughout the day for more headlines.
