Matt Riddle, “The King of Bros,” is a polarizing figure in professional wrestling. Known for his laid-back persona, incredible in-ring ability, and charisma, Riddle has both thrilled and frustrated fans and executives alike. While he has all the qualities to be a megastar in WWE, his journey in the company has been filled with controversies and personal struggles. This leads to the inevitable question: does Matt Riddle still have a chance for a WWE return?
From UFC to WWE
Riddle’s transition from UFC to pro wrestling was seamless. He started on the independent scene, where his natural talent caught the attention of WWE, leading to a signing in 2018. His time in NXT was relatively short, as he quickly showed he was ready for the main roster. When Riddle moved up in 2020, he found success by teaming with Randy Orton as part of the popular RK-Bro tag team, which helped him capture the Raw Tag Team Championships. They quickly became the core of Raw which fans eagerly waited for.
Riddle’s charisma and unique persona made him a fan favorite. He wasn’t just a skilled wrestler; he had the look, mic skills, and natural ability to connect with the audience. These qualities made him one of the most promising talents on the roster.
Controversies and Setbacks
However, despite his success, Riddle’s WWE career has been filled with several controversies. In 2013, his UFC career ended after testing positive twice for marijuana, despite having an impressive record.
During his time in WWE, Riddle had clashes with top names like Brock Lesnar and Goldberg. His public statements criticizing Goldberg’s in-ring ability and challenging Lesnar set him apart but also led to backstage tensions. These altercations, while creating headlines, painted Riddle as a volatile figure backstage. While this can be neglected, the situation worsened in 2020 when Riddle faced serious allegations of sexual assault, which he denied, claiming the relationship was consensual.
In late 2022, Riddle was suspended for failing a drug test—this time for cocaine. This marked his second suspension, and it was clear that his off-screen behavior was becoming a liability. Then, in September 2023, the final straw for WWE came when Riddle was involved in an incident at a New York airport, which reportedly occurred under the influence of alcohol. He then decided to work in independent scene.
Many people believe that Riddle was his own worst enemy during his time in WWE. Initially, Riddle disagreed with this statement, but as he reflected on his journey, the former UFC star admitted there might be some truth to it.
“I would disagree,” Riddle shared in an interview with The Takedown. “A lot of people just hide. But at the same time, that’s who I am. I love me, and I always have. I’m going to continue to love me. And if I’m my own worst enemy, so be it. But I’m also the only one who’s going to pay my bills, take care of me, and help me every time,” Riddle explained, embracing his unapologetic approach to life and wrestling.
The Possibility of a WWE Return
Despite these setbacks, Riddle’s WWE future may not be as bleak as it seems. WWE has a history of bringing back stars with controversial past. Riddle himself acknowledged this in a recent interview with The Takedown, noting that if CM Punk—who sued WWE and publicly trashed the company for years—could return, then his own return could also be possible.
“The chances of me going back, I think they’re extremely high,” Riddle said. He added that he understands he wasn’t always easy to work with but emphasized that “everything can be forgiven.”
“I think the longer I’m away, the harder I work, and the more I do, the more likely I could come back. But I’ll also say this, if I never go back ever again, and they never talk to me again, I’ll be ok with that”, he further stated.
To sum up, WWE’s business-first approach means that if Riddle can prove himself on the independent scene, build a strong following, and stay out of controversy, the company might welcome him back.
What Riddle Needs to Do
For Riddle to have a realistic shot at a WWE return, he needs to show consistent personal growth. WWE is a corporate entity, and image matters. Riddle himself admitted he can be his own worst enemy, saying, “I’m very transparent… if somebody talks crap, I’ll literally make a video being like, ‘You’re full of it.’”
While this blunt approach has its appeal, it’s also what made Riddle a difficult figure to manage in WWE. For a return to be successful, he’ll need to strike a balance between staying true to himself and adhering to the professional standards WWE expects.
Conclusion: The Door is Still Open
Matt Riddle’s road back to WWE may be uncertain, but it’s not impossible. He is talented, and WWE has proven time and again that they are willing to rehire controversial figures if it benefits the company. Riddle himself remains optimistic, and as long as he continues to perform at a high level on the independent circuit and stays out of trouble, WWE may eventually offer him a second chance. Riddle previously mentioned that his former tag team partner, Randy Orton, also wants him to return to the company.
Related: Is WWE Neglecting Veteran Talent Under Triple H’s Era?
As of now, Riddle is currently set to face Tom Lawlor in a No-Holds-Barred Vale Rudo match for MLW on Saturday, September 14.
In a business where anything can happen, Riddle’s return could be a matter of “when,” not “if.”
