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.
The former United States Champion 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, something seemingly confirmed by a recent video.
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.
Riddle's apparent love of pot is what's led to many problems for him over the course of both his UFC and WWE careers, something WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam - a well-known weed user - is all too familiar with. Now, the AEW star has shared his take on Riddle's release.
"I met Matt Riddle at the Playboy Mansion at a party years ago after the Ultimate Fighter," he recalls. "This was a Medical Marijuana Policy Project fundraiser, which they used to have annually at the Playboy Mansion, and then eventually Hugh quit having parties at the mansion from outsiders and then it just went all downhill after that, but that's where I had met him so a lot of people think that's a pretty cool story and he seems to not be able to stay out of trouble."
"He'll get another chance I'm sure, but I feel like he got so many chances that they felt like they're not going to be taken seriously unless some consequences are shown," RVD continued. "I think they'll be temporary and that could be by the Universe, not necessarily by the company, but he'll definitely go somewhere productive from here and hopefully he'll quit sending di** pics or whatever it is that he's doing on his off time that gives him so much heat."
Riddle had all the makings of a top star in WWE, but his release was perhaps a long time coming. There's been speculation he might make the leap to AEW, a move which could make sense seeing as that company doesn't appear to be as stringent with its version of WWE's Wellness Policy.
However, hiring him would still be a risk and not one Tony Khan can arguably afford after what proved to be a difficult relationship with CM Punk (who he fired after an alleged backstage altercation).
We'll keep you updated on Riddle's in-ring future as we learn more.