What Happened to Matt Riddle? Why Was Matt Riddle Released? Where is Matt Riddle Now?
by Sangamithra
Updated Nov 23, 2023
What Happened to Matt Riddle?
Matt Riddle, a former UFC fighter turned professional wrestler, was released by WWE. The decision comes as part of a series of talent cuts following WWE's acquisition by Endeavor and merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Riddle, who joined WWE in 2018, had a tumultuous career marked by notable achievements like winning championships but also controversies. Accusations during the #SpeakingOut movement, a real-life feud with Seth Rollins, and multiple drug suspensions, including one in 2022, contributed to his challenges in WWE.
Recent reports suggest that Riddle's departure was not unexpected, with sources stating that he had "burned through too many chances" with the company. Despite being involved in a storyline and teaming up with Drew McIntyre, Riddle hadn't been seen on television since an incident at JFK airport earlier in the month. Fightful reports indicate that his absence was not related to the airport altercation, but rather a decision by WWE due to Riddle not being part of their creative plans following the incident.
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Who is Matt Riddle?
Matthew Frederick Riddle is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. Known as Matt Riddle, he gained fame in the UFC and WWE. In his MMA career from 2008 to 2014, Riddle was part of The Ultimate Fighter 7 and had a successful run in the UFC with a four-fight winning streak. However, he was released in 2013 after testing positive for marijuana.
Transitioning to professional wrestling, Riddle started training in 2014 at the Monster Factory and debuted in 2015. He earned recognition as the Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Wrestler in 2016. Working in various promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Evolve, Riddle won several championships.
Signing with WWE in 2018, Riddle initially joined NXT, becoming NXT Tag Team Champion with Pete Dunne. He later moved to the main roster, winning the United States Championship in 2021. His partnership with Randy Orton as RK-Bro led to Raw Tag Team Championship victories in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, Riddle was released by WWE in September 2023, following a series of controversies and reported issues, including accusations during the #SpeakingOut movement and multiple drug suspensions.
Full Name
Matthew Frederick Riddle
Date of Birth
January 14, 1986
Place of Birth
Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Current Residence
Orlando, Florida
Spouse
Lisa Rennie (m. 2011; div. 2022)
Children
4
Height
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight
216 lb (98 kg)
Profession
Professional Wrestler, Former Mixed Martial Artist
Debut (Wrestling)
February 7, 2015
Debut (MMA)
February 7, 2008
Nicknames
Chipper, Deep Waters
Notable Achievements
Former WWE United States Champion
Former NXT Tag Team Champion (with Pete Dunne)
Former Raw Tag Team Champion (with Randy Orton
Matt Riddle's Early Life
Matt Riddle, born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, moved to Saratoga Springs, New York. He attended Saratoga Springs High School, becoming a New York state wrestling champion in 2004. During high school, Riddle faced and defeated future UFC champion Jon Jones in wrestling. Later, at East Stroudsburg University, Riddle was on the wrestling team, winning multiple championships.
Unfortunately, he lost his wrestling scholarship when his coach was fired. This setback led Riddle to shift to mixed martial arts (MMA), marking the beginning of his MMA journey after his successful early wrestling career.
Matt Riddle Career
Matt Riddle is an American former mixed martial artist turned professional wrestler. Starting as an amateur MMA fighter, Riddle worked as a roofer and trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, crediting B.J. Penn's book for guidance. He gained recognition on The Ultimate Fighter 7, making his UFC debut in 2008 with a win. Despite facing setbacks like injuries, Riddle secured victories and earned a reputation for his skills.
His UFC journey included wins and losses, with notable victories against fighters like Steve Bruno and Greg Soto. Riddle's career was marked by ups and downs, including a suspension for testing positive for marijuana. After leaving the UFC, he briefly joined Bellator MMA but retired due to financial reasons.
Transitioning to professional wrestling in 2014, Riddle made a significant impact on the independent circuit, winning titles and accolades. He signed with WWE in 2018, debuting in NXT and later moving to the main roster. Riddle achieved success in WWE, winning the United States Championship and Raw Tag Team Championship as part of RK-Bro with Randy Orton. Despite some controversies, Riddle's career in WWE concluded in 2023.
Matt Riddle Age
Born on January 14, 1986, Matt Riddle is currently 37 years old. Hailing from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Riddle initially gained recognition as a mixed martial artist, notably competing in the UFC before transitioning to a successful career in professional wrestling.
With a dynamic journey that spans both the octagon and the wrestling ring, Riddle has showcased his talents and versatility, earning accolades for his achievements in both disciplines. As of the current date, his age reflects the wealth of experience he has accumulated throughout his tenure in combat sports and entertainment.
Matt Riddle's Net Worth
As of 2023, Matt Riddle boasts a net worth estimated at approximately $3 million. The 37-year-old athlete, now residing in Orlando, Florida, primarily earns through his professional wrestling career, supplemented by income from pay-per-view appearances, virtual entertainment, and merchandise sales.
Riddle's financial success reflects his achievements in both mixed martial arts, notably in the UFC, and professional wrestling, where he gained prominence in WWE. His diverse revenue streams highlight the multifaceted nature of his career, contributing to his substantial net worth in the world of sports and entertainment.
Why was Matt Riddle Released?
Matt Riddle was released by WWE due to reported issues and multiple chances. The decision followed WWE's talent cuts amid its acquisition by Endeavor and merger with UFC. Riddle, a former UFC fighter, joined WWE in 2018, winning championships but facing controversies like #SpeakingOut allegations, a feud with Seth Rollins, and drug suspensions.
Recent reports suggest he hadn't been backstage since an incident at JFK airport and was not part of WWE's creative plans. Sources claim he had "burned through too many chances." Riddle expressed gratitude to fans in a Twitter statement following his release.
Where is Matt Riddle Now?
As of now, Matt Riddle resides in Orlando, Florida. The 37-year-old athlete, born on January 14, 1986, has had a diverse career journey, starting as a mixed martial artist in the UFC and later excelling in professional wrestling.
Recently released from WWE in September 2023, Riddle has left an impact with his charismatic wrestling style. Now based in Orlando, he continues to be a notable figure in the world of sports and entertainment, leaving fans curious about his future endeavors outside the WWE ring.
What Happened to Matt Riddle - FAQs
Matt Riddle was released due to reported issues, controversies, and having exhausted multiple chances with the company.
Riddle's release followed WWE's talent cuts post-acquisition by Endeavor, and sources suggest he wasn't part of creative plans.
Matt Riddle currently resides in Orlando, Florida.
Riddle won the WWE United States Championship and Raw Tag Team Championship as part of RK-Bro with Randy Orton.
Matt Riddle's net worth is estimated at around $3 million, primarily earned through his wrestling career and related ventures.