WWE Releases Matt Riddle After Multiple Chances

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In the whirlwind of recent WWE talent releases, Matt Riddle has taken to Twitter to confirm his exit. The former UFC combatant expressed gratitude towards his fanbase for the countless memories shared during his time in the wrestling ring.

This announcement comes on the heels of a massive overhaul in WWE talent, where they let go of over 20 aspiring and seasoned wrestlers, ahead of their merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship under the umbrella of the Endeavor acquisition.

Riddle's WWE Rollercoaster

Having transitioned from the UFC, Riddle embarked on his pro-wrestling journey nearly ten years ago and officially penned a contract with WWE in 2018. His illustrious WWE tenure witnessed him clinching the "NXT" Tag Team Championship alongside Pete Dunne, now referred to as Butch, and the "Raw" Tag Team Championship in partnership with Randy Orton.

Additionally, he held the WWE United States Championship. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Riddle. He faced significant allegations during the #SpeakingOut movement and had a real-life disagreement with co-wrestler Seth Rollins.

Moreover, his multiple drug-related suspensions, especially the 2022 episode, temporarily derailed his television appearances. Although he made a comeback on the "WWE Raw" post-WrestleMania 39, his role was notably scaled back, coinciding with Randy Orton's injury hiatus.

Riddle's absence from the limelight was underscored following an altercation at JFK airport earlier this month. Even as speculations swirled, Fightful Select clarifies that Riddle hadn't been actively participating backstage or traveling with WWE after being absent from the weekend events and the September 11 "Raw" episode.

While many anticipated Riddle's return to the "WWE Raw" spotlight, especially considering his active storyline with Drew McIntyre, Fightful has a contrasting take. They suggest Riddle's reintroduction wasn't in WWE's imminent blueprint.

Citing an anonymous insider, Fightful pinpoints Riddle's repetitive lapses as the reason, claiming he had "burned through too many chances while in WWE."