The dynamic partnership between Randy Orton and Matt Riddle left WWE fans hanging without a proper resolution, and it turns out the Original Bro had an unexpected suggestion for the story’s climax.
Rather than following the anticipated path of Orton betraying Riddle, the former United States Champion pitched the idea of him turning heel.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Matt Riddle disclosed that he had proposed to WWE officials that he should be the one to betray Randy Orton.
Contrary to the typical narrative where the more established star takes on the role of the antagonist, Riddle believed that the switch would have generated a more intriguing dynamic.
Expressing his rationale, Riddle emphasized the enduring popularity of Randy Orton, asserting that even in a villainous role, the wrestling legend would garner fan support. Riddle stated,
“Because Randy being the legend that he is, and me just being a babyface, even if Randy turned on me and is a bad guy, he is a legend. He is Randy. He has done more PPVs, more RAWs, more than like everybody. Even if you boo him, you’d love to boo him.” [From 34:00 onwards]
Considering the potential aftermath, Riddle envisioned creating “nuclear heat” by attacking Orton and transitioning into a despised heel character.
In his narrative, turning on a revered figure like Randy Orton would have sparked genuine fan outrage, leading to an emotional storyline that could have set the stage for compelling matches and a conclusive resolution.
Acknowledging the chemistry he shared with Orton, Riddle believed their in-ring encounters would have maintained their quality, delivering a storyline that not only made sense but also positioned him as a formidable antagonist.
While Matt Riddle is currently no longer with WWE, he remains optimistic about the possibility of returning to complete the story with Randy Orton. Fans who were captivated by the duo’s partnership share the hope that this unique tale might see its conclusion in the future.