In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, former WWE star Matt Riddle shed light on his relationships with fellow wrestlers, particularly highlighting his bond with Austin Theory and The Judgment Day.
Riddle, known for his charismatic persona and in-ring prowess, had a memorable stint with WWE before parting ways with the company in September 2023. During his time with WWE, he was an integral part of the RK-Bro tag team, alongside Randy Orton, and was a beloved figure among fans.
Speaking about his friendships within the wrestling world, Riddle emphasized his camaraderie with The Judgment Day and his close friendship with Austin Theory. According to Riddle, these were the individuals he often traveled and rode with, forming a strong bond beyond the wrestling ring.
“I was big friends with The Judgment Day. Big big friend of Austin Theory. I had my bros, people I’d ride with, travel with. But I would say I was friendly with every single person. You know, even the people that like hate me or I hate them, we were friendly.” Riddle shared during the interview.
However, Riddle also addressed the misconception that he is universally disliked in the wrestling industry. He admitted that there were instances where tensions arose, particularly when his ex-girlfriend made negative comments about other wrestlers on social media. Despite this, Riddle maintained that he was generally well-liked among his peers.
“The only times we weren’t friendly was when my ex made comments about their girlfriends or whatever. But when it came to me and everybody else, I think that’s one misconception, I feel like people think a lot of people hate me in wrestling. In fact, I go into every locker room and everybody likes me. Or at least they’re nice to my face,” Riddle stated.
Austin Theory Takes a Beating at the Elimination Chamber
The interview with Riddle comes at a time when the wrestling world is buzzing with excitement and drama. This past weekend at the Elimination Chamber, Austin Theory faced a brutal assault, marking the beginning of what has been dubbed “The Grayson Waller Effect.”
During the event, Theory was on the receiving end of a Cody Cutter from Cody Rhodes. This was followed by a stomp from Seth Rollins, leaving Theory battered and bruised. Even his supposed friend, Grayson Waller, did not intervene to stop the onslaught.
The incident at Elimination Chamber has left many fans and wrestling enthusiasts questioning alliances and friendships within the industry. With Riddle’s candid revelations about his own experiences, it becomes clear that the world of professional wrestling is not just about scripted rivalries and choreographed fights—it’s also about genuine connections and friendships that extend beyond the ring.
Kaira’s Insight:
Matt Riddle’s interview offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics of the wrestling world, highlighting the complexities of relationships among wrestlers. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of the ring, there are real people with real emotions and connections. As fans, it’s important to appreciate the human aspect of wrestling, understanding that what happens on-screen is often a small part of a larger, more intricate tapestry of relationships and friendships.
