Newly Surfaced Video Allegedly Shows Matt Riddle Intoxicated Before Incident Which Led To His WWE Release

When WWE released a number of Superstars last month, perhaps the biggest surprise - at least to some extent - was the fact Matt Riddle was among those fired.

He hadn't appeared on television for several weeks after an incident at JFK Airport which saw him claim he'd been sexually assaulted by a TSA agent. Those comments were countered with allegations that he'd been acting in a disruptive fashion, leading to an altercation with the authorities. 

For WWE, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. In the past, Riddle has faced sexual assault allegations of his own, multiple violations of WWE's wellness policy, and a few stints in rehab. 

TMZ has now shared a video which was allegedly taken during the incident at the airport and it appears to show a clearly drunk Riddle acting in a loud and belligerent manner. According to those who were there, the former WWE Superstar and a friend got drunk before boarding their plane and were ultimately denied permission to fly due to being intoxicated.

One witness even said Riddle's behaviour was "incredibly obnoxious" and "extremely loud and rude."

Riddle had all the makings of a top star in WWE, but his release was perhaps a long time coming. He'd been a big part of RAW prior to that, teaming with Drew McIntyre as part of what looked to be a new tag team (with McIntyre likely turning heel by attacking his partner based on what we've been hearing about original creative plans). 

After fighting in UFC, Riddle signed with WWE in 2018 and later won the NXT Tag Team Championships with Pete Dunne/Butch. He'd also go on to hold the RAW Tag Team titles with Randy Orton and was United States Champion for a time. 

In a statement on social media confirming his release, Riddle said, "Just wanted to inform everyone that I’m no longer with WWE. 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."

You can check out that video in the player below.