Breaking News: WWE's Shocking Release of Matt Riddle Amidst Talent Cuts and Controversy
The wrestling world was rocked to its core as WWE announced the unexpected release of Matt Riddle, marking the culmination of a tumultuous journey within and beyond the squared circle.
Farewell Message from Riddle
Taking to social media, Riddle penned a heartfelt farewell message: "Just wanted to inform everyone that Iโm no longer with WWE," he began, his words laced with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. "Thank you for the memories and opportunities, and also thank you to all the fans for the unwavering support and love you've showered upon me every time I stepped into that ring. See you all soon."
Just wanted to inform everyone that Iโm no longer with WWE. Thank you for the memories and opportunities also thank you to all the fans for the support and love you give me every time I go out to the ring. See you all soon ๐ค pic.twitter.com/fpuQkIJAFx
โ matthew riddle (@SuperKingofBros) September 22, 2023
Riddle's Ascension and Potential
Matt Riddle had ascended to the upper echelons of WWE superstardom with his unconventional, carefree persona. Beneath the veneer of his comedic gimmick lay the potential for Riddle to follow in the footsteps of iconic, irreverent world champions like Daniel Bryan and Rob Van Dam.
One pivotal moment that underscored this potential was Riddle's WWE Championship showdown against Roman Reigns, which unfolded on the June 17, 2022, edition of SmackDown. The match captivated over 2.5 million viewers during its quarter-hour segment, surpassing the ratings of the opening quarter-hour, featuring none other than Vince McMahon himself fresh from the hush money allegations. Notably, this rating even eclipsed Reigns' previous world title matches against luminaries like Daniel Bryan and Kevin Owens.
Riddle's Dynamic Partnerships
Riddle's quirky persona also served as the perfect foil for an array of formidable, unconventional partners, including Butch (known as Pete Dunne during his NXT stint, and currently enjoying a +0.2% rise in popularity), Timothy Thatcher, Drew McIntyre, and, most notably, Randy Orton, with whom he formed the popular tag team RK-Bro.
This dynamic duo clinched the WWE tag team championship on two occasions. However, Riddle's television presence dwindled due to issues beyond the wrestling ring. While a reported illness played a role in his hiatus, it was an unfortunate incident at JFK Airport that thrust him into controversy.
There, the former United States and tag team champion alleged he had been sexually assaulted by an airport officer, with claims that he was "heavily intoxicated" at the time. This incident served as the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, as Riddle found himself among the high-profile WWE releases, part of TKO Group Holdings' efforts to implement substantial cost-cutting measures.
Riddle's Personal Life and Controversies
Adding another layer to the narrative, Riddle recently made headlines by announcing a pregnancy with his partner, adult film star Misha Montana. Simultaneously, he finds himself estranged from his ex-wife, Lisa Riddle, with their tumultuous relationship serving as fodder for multiple WWE storylines.
On the other side of the ring, fellow WWE superstar Seth Rollins didn't shy away from using Riddle's personal life as ammunition for their on-screen feud.
In a heated exchange on the August 29, 2022, broadcast of WWE Raw, Rollins quipped, "Talk about my family, man, letโs talk about your family. Oh wait, you ainโt got one because your wife divorced you and took your kids, and they donโt want to see your bโh ass anymore."
The intensity of their rivalry added an extra layer of intrigue to Riddle's WWE journey.
Riddle's Future Prospects
Despite the mounting baggage, Riddle's charisma and wrestling prowess are likely to make him a sought-after commodity on the independent circuit if he chooses to continue his wrestling career.
Moreover, his background in mixed martial arts could pique the interest of MMA promotions, although a potential return to UFC appears improbable due to both the UFC-WWE merger under TKO Group Holdings and the notorious disdain Dana White harbors for Matt Riddle.
In the world of professional wrestling, Tony Khan's AEW remains a viable destination for ex-WWE talent, keeping the door open for a potential new chapter in Riddle's storied career.
The Conclusion
This captivating turn of events leaves wrestling enthusiasts and pundits alike eagerly anticipating Matt Riddle's next move, ensuring that the world of sports entertainment remains as unpredictable and multifaceted as ever.
