Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Calls Out Bret Hart for Goldberg Obsession, Sparking Debate in Wrestling Community
In the world of professional wrestling, grudges and rivalries are frequently as dramatic out of doors the hoop as they’re inside it. One such ongoing feud that has these days reignited controversy is the tension among WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart and previous wrestling powerhouse Bill Goldberg. The narrative took a pointy turn whilst former WWE celebrity Matt Riddle brazenly criticized Bret Hart, claiming that the wrestling legend’s refusal to allow cross of his animosity toward Goldberg exhibits a fundamental flaw in his man or woman.
A 25-Year-Old Grudge
For the ones who have observed professional wrestling over the past sector-century, Bret Hart’s disdain for Goldberg is a familiar story. The supply of this animosity dates lower back to the WCW Starrcade occasion in December 1999, in which Goldberg delivered a kick to Hart’s head that ended in a critical concussion. Although Hart continued to struggle for a brief duration later on, the damage efficiently ended his career, slicing it tons shorter than he had anticipated.
In numerous interviews due to the fact that that fateful suit, Hart has by no means shied away from expressing his bitterness towards Goldberg. He has regularly depicted the former NFL participant grew to become wrestler as reckless and perilous in the ring, labeling him a “gorilla” who lacked the finesse and approach necessary to avoid injuring his opponents.
In the recent documentary, “Who Killed WCW,” Hart revisited the incident, recalling his efforts to teach Goldberg how to wrestle safely. “How do you fight Bill Goldberg? He’s like a gorilla, slamming guys through the mat, running them over like a car,” Hart lamented. He recounted how he had tried to give Goldberg advice before their match, urging him not to hurt anyone in the ring. Despite his warnings, Hart remembers how Goldberg’s high kick to his head was delivered with full force, resulting in the devastating injury that forever altered his life and career.
Riddle’s Candid Critique
Matt Riddle, who enjoyed a five-year tenure in WWE as a United States and Tag Team Champion before his release in September 2023, recently added fuel to the fire by openly criticizing Hart’s inability to move on from the Goldberg incident. During an interview, Riddle recalled an encounter with Bret Hart in WWE’s catering area, where he tried to engage the legendary wrestler in conversation. However, Hart reportedly showed little interest in interacting with Riddle or his colleague, Damien Priest.
“So I’m at catering, enjoying it, and I get a table with Bret Hart,” Riddle recounted. “I’m like, oh, this is cool. I’m not going to be a super marker, but I’m going to ask a couple questions to the Hitman.” According to Riddle, Hart was more focused on the company of “pretty attractive ladies” nearby, ignoring Riddle’s attempts to connect with him.
As Riddle continued, he expressed his frustration with Hart’s seemingly endless complaints about Goldberg. “I don’t know about him not being able to let go of this whole Goldberg thing. Goldberg’s come out and said, it wasn’t intentional. I never would have done it. Well, it’s not a matter of intentions.”
Riddle went on to suggest that Hart’s refusal to let go of his grudge is a significant flaw. “Honestly, I think that’s one of Bret’s flaws. You know? Because honestly, I can hold a grudge against a lot of people. Especially, you know, the s**t people. The things people have said about me that are lies and everything else. I just… What am I supposed to do? Complain? Get out of my soapbox and preach about it? I don’t care. The cream always rises to the top. I’ll just keep working hard and doing the right thing.”
A Polarizing Perspective
Riddle’s comments have sparked a debate among wrestling fans and insiders alike. Some see his critique of Hart as an ambitious and necessary reminder that dwelling on past grievances can avert non-public and professional boom. Others, but, view Hart’s ongoing resentment toward Goldberg as justified, given the profession-ending nature of the injury he sustained.
