Skilled wrestler and former blended martial artist Matt Riddle has confirmed that he’s now not with World Wrestling Leisure (WWE).
PWInsider reported that WWE launched Riddle from his contract at roughly 5 p.m. at present. Riddle himself subsequently took to Twitter/X to verify the information. “Simply wished to tell everybody that I’m now not with WWE,” he wrote. “Thanks for the reminiscences and alternatives additionally thanks to all of the followers for the help and love you give me each time I’m going out to the ring. See you all quickly.”
Riddle is considered one of many WWE superstars to be reduce from the corporate’s roster following its merging with the Final Combating Championship (UFC) to type TKO Group Holdings. Different wrestlers launched by WWE within the wake of the merger embrace Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali, Dana Brooke, Elias, Emma, Rick Boogs, Aliyah, Riddick Moss, Prime Dolla, Dabba-Kato, Mansoor, Mace, Quincy Elliott, Shanky, Yulisa Leon, Kevin Ventura-Cortez, Ikeman Jiro, Brooklyn Barlow, and Bryson Montana.
Notably, Riddle was a UFC fighter earlier than becoming a member of WWE. Nevertheless, the MMA promotion launched Riddle in 2013 after he examined constructive for marijuana (his second failed drug check within the house of 1 yr). Bellator subsequently picked up Riddle’s Legacy contract, although he by no means really fought for the promotion as a consequence of accidents and monetary causes. Riddle retired from MMA altogether following a quick stint with Titan FC.
Matt Riddle’s WWE profession
Riddle started coaching for an expert wrestling profession in late 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he wrestled for a lot of unbiased promotions, together with the WWE-affiliated EVOLVE. (WWE finally bought EVOLVE outright.) Riddle quickly signed a take care of WWE, and debuted for the corporate’s NXT developmental model in 2018. He was referred to as as much as the primary roster in 2020, subsequently turning into a one-time United States Champion and a two-time Uncooked Tag Group Champion.
Nevertheless, Riddle confronted a number of controversies over the course of his WWE run — together with a 2020 lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault (the swimsuit was later dropped) and experiences that WWE despatched him to rehab in 2022 after he violated the corporate’s wellness coverage twice.
Extra not too long ago, Riddle himself levied an allegation of sexual assault and harassment towards a police officer relating to an incident on the JFK Airport in New York. Regulation enforcement officers declare Riddle was intoxicated and disruptive whereas altering flights, which prompted police to reply. The cops reportedly let Riddle go with out incident, and didn’t file a report. The wrestler has since deleted the social media publish containing his unique accusation. Nonetheless, an inner investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Previous to his launch, Riddle had been off WWE tv as a consequence of a double ear an infection and a case of bronchitis.