Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle tells all: what we learned from his virtual signing

Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle recently made a virtual autograph appearance with Signed By Superstars. SBS is a well-respected wrestling memorabilia company owned and operated by wrestling promoter and businessman Rob Feinstein.

It's also worth noting that Feinstein is the founder of Ring of Honor. He now runs Signed By Superstars, which holds wrestling-related auctions, as well as virtual signings.

Matt Riddle made his WWE debut at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV, which is when he was officially announced as the newest signee. Riddle joined the sports entertainment giant after a stint in MMA, where he got his start on UFC's Ultimate Fighter. Riddle's run with the Stamford-based promotion came to an end in September 2023.

After completing his 90-day non-compete clause, Matt Riddle has started making various appearances, including his most recent autograph signing with Signed By Superstars, on January 9th. Here is what we learned from that virtual appearance.

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7 - The Origins of RK-Bro, Riddle's Thoughts on Randy Orton

Randy and Riddle as WWE RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro.

Randy Orton and Matt Riddle aligned in 2021, forming the unlikely duo known as RK-Bro. These two superstars initially appeared to be polar opposites, but they made things work and found their way to the top as 2-time Tag Team Champions.

During Riddle's virtual appearance on Signed by Superstars, he was asked about his thoughts about Randy and the origins of RK-Bro. Matt made it clear that Randy was not initially on board with the idea, but eventually became a fan of Riddle. As he started to appreciate what Matt had to offer, Randy not only embraced the idea but also pushed for the alliance. Riddle explained that their relationship grew closer and they became pretty close. He mentioned that he would often join Randy on his bus and hang out with his partner.

It's also worth noting that Matt said there was once a plan in place for him to form a team with Drew McIntyre. Riddle laughed as he explained the name they were throwing around for the potential partnership was "McRiddle."

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6 - WWE's original plans for the 2022 Royal Rumble

Brock Lesnar after winning the 2022 Royal Rumble.

When Matt Riddle made his main roster debut on SmackDown in 2020, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding how well he would do as a WWE Superstar. Riddle would prove his worth as a professional wrestler, and eventually became a top-tier star within the company.

While Riddle was discussing his time on the WWE main roster with Rob from Signed by Superstars, Riddle was asked by a fan about the rumors that he was supposed to win the 2022 Royal Rumble match. He responded by stating that he was, in fact, originally supposed to win the match, but Brock Lesnar allegedly forced a change of plans. Matt had the following to say regarding last-minute changes to the Rumble match -

"I was told at one point I was gonna win the Rumble. But Brock came in and didn't wanna do business with anybody. He said he was gonna win, and nobody stood up to him..not even me."

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5 - Matt Riddle talks about his relationship with Dana White/UFC

UFC President Dana White during a press conference.

Before signing with WWE, Matt Riddle was a successful MMA fighter, starting with UFC. Riddle was a participant in Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter. Riddle went on to fight for UFC until he was released after failing 2 drug tests within one year. Following his release, Riddle was not in Dana White's good graces. During a press conference, Dana stated that Matt was no longer with the UFC because he couldn't pass a drug test.

During his virtual signing, Rob Reinstein asked Matt if he would ever consider going back to MMA fighting. He was also asked about his relationship with UFC President Dana White. Riddle had the following to say -

"I've been in touch with Bare Knuckle Fighting, and other MMA organizations, not UFC, of course. Not yet, anyway. Things are looking good, but I'm focused on wrestling. I have four kids if a fight falls through, I don't get paid."

Regarding his relationship with Dana White, Riddle stated -

"There's money to be made. He let CM Punk fight...and he doesn't even know how to fight!"

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4 - Meeting WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg

WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg backstage at a WWE event.

Bill Goldberg became a global phenomenon back in the late '90s during his time with WCW. Goldberg's rise in popularity came when he went on a legendary undefeated streak of 173-0. He was known for his squash matches that typically lasted under a couple of minutes. Goldberg eventually went on to WWE and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Early on in Matt Riddle's career, he was known for voicing his criticism of other wrestlers via social media. Goldberg fell victim to Riddle's criticism at one point and the Hall of Famer didn't appreciate it. Goldberg eventually blocked Riddle on Twitter. Fast forward to the 2019 SummerSlam event, Matt Riddle and Bill Goldberg crossed paths backstage. Goldberg finally let Riddle know what was on his mind when he stated the following -

"We gotta talk. I'm not your bro...could've been, but I ain't your bro."

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3 - Was the infamous Seth Rollins promo scripted?

Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins exchange verbal jabs.

Matt Riddle has had some family-related issues that have been made public in the past. During this time, Riddle was embroiled in a feud with Seth Rollins, and during an episode of RAW on August 29, 2022, the rivals exchanged some harsh words in a video segment that aired. Seth had some pretty harsh remarks about Riddle.

One of the fans watching the virtual signing wanted to know if the remarks Seth made about Riddle's family were scripted. Riddle responded by saying the following -

"Not only was it scripted, I told Seth to say it! I got kicked outta my house, divorced, and my son's pee-wee football coach was living there two days later."

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2 - Matt Riddle wants to "finish his story" with WWE

Matt Riddle has unfinished business with WWE.

After five years with the company, Matt Riddle was released in late 2023. This came during the time that his partner, Randy Orton, was recovering from a serious injury. With Orton sidelined, Riddle was fresh off of a recent suspension after failing the company's wellness policy for a second time.

When Feinstein asked Riddle if he would be open to returning to WWE, Matt made it clear that he would be open to the possibility, but not just yet. Here is what he said about a potential WWE return -

"That's up to them, if they want too. I'm not interested at the moment, because I have a lot of things I want to do.(As an independent wrestler) If I came back, I'd like to finish the story with Randy."

When Cody Rhodes returned as Seth Rollins' surprise opponent at WrestleMania 38, he made his intentions crystal-clear when he mentioned that he wanted to "finish his story." When Riddle made his comments about a possible future return, he let it be known that he also had a story to finish.

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1 - Riddle had a rough introduction to The Beast Incarnate

The Beast circles the ring, looking for his prey.

Throughout Riddle's 2-hour virtual signing on Signed By Superstars, he discussed several different WWE Superstars and his relationship with them. He talked about Bray Wyatt and how despite never really being close to him, he still enjoyed being around him and that Bray always made him laugh. Unfortunately, his initial meeting with Brock Lesnar was not quite as jovial.

"The first time I met him, I had talked a lot of trash about him while I was in the indies. I never thought I'd be signing with WWE, let alone meet Brock. My first time on the main roster, I was like 'What's up dude?' His security guard stepped in and said 'You need help with this?' Brock grabbed me by the back of my neck and said we will never work together. Keep your f***ing mouth shut!... A couple of years later, we worked together at the Royal Rumble."

What are your takeaways from this tell-all with Matt Riddle? Sound off in the comments section below!