Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Breaks Silence on Backstage Feud with Roman Reigns: “We’re Good”
In a candid and revealing interview, former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle has unfolded approximately the lengthy-rumored behind the scenes tensions with Roman Reigns, considered one of WWE’s maximum dominant figures. The anxiety between the 2 athletes had been the problem of a lot hypothesis in the wrestling network, stemming from Riddle’s ambitious claims that he ought to defeat Reigns in a actual combat. These comments, which Riddle made even as nevertheless under WWE settlement, sparked a large amount of friction among the two, with Reigns reportedly taking offense to the previous UFC fighter’s comments.
Riddle’s remarks have been no longer simply empty boasts. Known for his legitimate MMA history and his outspoken nature, Riddle’s statements delivered fuel to the hearth, especially given Reigns’ stature as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. For many, it changed into no marvel that Reigns took issue with Riddle’s words, and the anxiety among the 2 became a subject of hobby among enthusiasts and insiders alike.
Despite the obvious warmness, Riddle and Reigns found themselves crossing paths inside the ring in 2022. Riddle, alongside his tag team accomplice Randy Orton, engaged in a excessive-profile feud with Reigns and his Bloodline faction. Their rivalry reached a boiling factor while Riddle challenged Reigns for the Universal Championship in June of that yr. The healthy, but, did now not move in Riddle’s prefer, as he failed to capture the name from the “Tribal Chief.”
The feud among Riddle and Reigns extended past their in-ring encounters. Matt Camp, a famous WWE commentator, these days disclosed on his podcast that WWE deliberately stored Riddle and Reigns apart at some stage in an episode of The Bump, a WWE Network show known for its blend of storyline and real-life interviews. Camp revealed that while they usually encourage interactions between in-studio guests and video-call participants, the decision was made to ensure Riddle and Reigns did not cross paths on set.
“We 100% kept Riddle off the set until the Roman interview was done, which was the right call,” Camp explained, emphasizing the seriousness of the backstage tension at the time.
But the animosity seems to have cooled down. In a new interview with the New York Post, Riddle reflected on his relationship with Reigns and confirmed that their issues are now water under the bridge. According to Riddle, the turning point came when Reigns recognized his professionalism in the ring and understood the context behind the controversial comments.
“I think when he saw how professional I am in the ring and I also explained why things were said, and I wasn’t just trying to call you out. I know my place in WWE, but when someone tells me to cut a promo on you, I’m gonna cut a promo on you. I think he understood that. Still wasn’t happy about it, but understood. Me and Roman, we’re good,” Riddle shared, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamics between WWE Superstars behind the scenes.
Despite this reconciliation, Riddle’s adventure in WWE got here to an abrupt end in September 2023. His launch observed a debatable incident at JFK Airport, which introduced another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous career. The specific info surrounding his departure continue to be relatively murky, however what is apparent is that Riddle’s time in WWE turned into marked via each sizeable achievements and terrific controversies.
For lovers of the game, Riddle’s candid feedback about his past with Reigns provide a deeper understanding of the personal and professional demanding situations that WWE Superstars often face. It also highlights the intense nature of the wrestling industry, in which the road between storyline and fact is regularly blurred, main to proper conflicts that could have lasting affects on careers.
As Riddle steps far from WWE, his feedback function is a reminder of the human element in the back of the personas that tens of millions of fans see on television. While his future in wrestling remains unsure, Riddle’s legacy will surely be formed by means of both his in-ring prowess and his willingness to speak his mind, regardless of the results.