WWE Releases Matt Riddle

Professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist Matt Riddle has confirmed that he is no longer with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

PWInsider reported that WWE released Riddle from his contract at approximately 5 p.m. today. Riddle himself subsequently took to Twitter/X to confirm the news. “Just wanted to inform everyone that I’m no longer with WWE,” he wrote. “Thank you for the memories and opportunities also thank you to all the fans for the support and love you give me every time I go out to the ring. See you all soon.”

Riddle is one of many WWE superstars to be cut from the company’s roster following its merging with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to form TKO Group Holdings. Other wrestlers released by WWE in the wake of the merger include Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali, Dana Brooke, Elias, Emma, Rick Boogs, Aliyah, Riddick Moss, Top 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 before joining WWE. However, the MMA promotion released Riddle in 2013 after he tested positive for marijuana (his second failed drug test in the space of one year). Bellator subsequently picked up Riddle’s Legacy contract, though he never actually fought for the promotion due to injuries and financial reasons. Riddle retired from MMA altogether following a brief stint with Titan FC.

Matt Riddle’s WWE career

Riddle began training for a professional wrestling career in late 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he wrestled for a number of independent promotions, including the WWE-affiliated EVOLVE. (WWE eventually purchased EVOLVE outright.) Riddle soon signed a deal with WWE, and debuted for the company’s NXT developmental brand in 2018. He was called up to the main roster in 2020, subsequently becoming a one-time United States Champion and a two-time Raw Tag Team Champion.

However, Riddle faced multiple controversies over the course of his WWE run — including a 2020 lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault (the suit was later dropped) and reports that WWE sent him to rehab in 2022 after he violated the company’s wellness policy twice.

Riddle’s release also comes shortly after he himself levied an allegation of sexual assault and harassment against a police officer regarding an episode at the JFK Airport in New York. Law enforcement officials claim Riddle was intoxicated and disruptive while changing flights, which prompted police to respond. The cops reportedly let Riddle go without incident, and did not file a report. The wrestler has since deleted the social media post containing his original accusation. Nevertheless, an internal investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Prior to his release, Riddle had been off WWE television due to a double ear infection and a case of bronchitis.