3 Reasons Why Matt Riddle Parted Ways With WWE
Professional wrestling is a world of drama, both in and outside of the ring. Over the years, various athletes have had their differences with the premier organization in this field – the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Recently, one of its stars, Matt Riddle, surprised many when he parted ways with WWE. Given the numerous incidents surrounding Riddle, we explore three key reasons that might have led to this fallout.
The first and foremost among them is Riddle’s behavioral issues. Riddle’s journey with WWE wasn’t smooth. As early as 2020, the wrestler faced disciplinary actions from the company when he violated its COVID-19 protocols, resulting in a fine. Matters didn’t improve in 2022 when Riddle was handed a suspension for failing a drug test. This saw him benched and kept away from in-ring action, much to the dismay of his fans. Such incidents, particularly repeated ones, are likely to strain the relationship between an athlete and their employing organization. Repeated controversies would have damaged Riddle’s reputation within WWE, and might have made him a challenging asset for the company to handle, given its image-centric nature.
However, the most significant behavioral controversy surrounding Riddle occurred recently in September 2023. The wrestler was involved in a public outburst at JFK Airport. This wasn’t just another incident – Riddle accused a police officer of sexual assault, a grave and serious accusation. This accusation thrust Riddle into national news headlines, overshadowing his wrestling persona and achievements. This incident, apart from affecting Riddle’s reputation, could have also made him a significant liability for WWE. Wrestling, much like any other form of entertainment, is heavily reliant on public perceptions. An incident of this magnitude could have been detrimental to both Riddle and the WWE brand. Furthermore, WWE has faced its share of scrutiny from the public and media regarding its handling of sexual misconduct allegations in the past. Riddle’s airport outburst, true or not, brought unwanted attention to an issue WWE has been trying to navigate and manage.
This leads us to the next reason – the current state and changing landscape of WWE. With new ownership and management changes in place, the wrestling behemoth is in a phase of transformation. This transformation isn’t just internal. The wrestling landscape is evolving rapidly with the emergence of significant competitors, like All Elite Wrestling (AEW), challenging WWE’s long-held supremacy. As competition intensifies, it becomes imperative for WWE to present a polished image, ensuring that its stars are not only performing at their peak inside the ring but are also maintaining a clean image outside of it. The influx of newer stars, the need to focus on up-and-coming talent, combined with Riddle’s controversial image, could have made it easier for the organization to let go of him. In an increasingly competitive market, the margin for error reduces significantly, and WWE might not want to risk its dominant position with controversies.
While these reasons present a compelling case for why Riddle might have parted ways with WWE, it’s essential to consider the broader picture. Often in entertainment and sports industries, there are multiple layers and complexities to any decision. The exact reasons behind Riddle’s departure are currently unknown since neither Matt Riddle nor WWE has made an official statement regarding the matter.
What remains to be seen is how Riddle’s career shapes up post-WWE. Talented and charismatic, Riddle has the potential to be a significant player in the wrestling world. At the same time, WWE will continue its journey, adapting and changing with the times. Whether this separation proves beneficial for both parties or whether they might reconcile in the future remains a tantalizing prospect for wrestling fans worldwide.
