WWE’s roster has seen significant changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with several surprising departures. In a recent interview, Matt Riddle reflected on his departure from the global powerhouse and revealed details about his potential earnings for 2024.
Despite experiencing a decline in popularity towards the end of his tenure, Matt Riddle remained a notable name in WWE. His apex on the main roster came during an engaging storyline with Randy Orton, and prior to his release, he had received a significant pay raise.
Speaking on The MMA Hour, the former United States Champion shed light on the circumstances surrounding his WWE exit.
While acknowledging an incident at JFK airport, Riddle emphasized that it wasn’t the sole reason for his departure from the Triple H-led company. He disclosed that he was under a guaranteed contract worth $1 million for 2024:
“I don’t think that’s the reason why I got fired, but I don’t think it helped, especially with the UFC merging. I was probably going to be making, well, it was written in my contract I was going to make a million dollars guaranteed this year, a lot more than I was making last year, a lot more before I was making before that. I think there were multiple variables that played into my departure, plus I failed a couple of drug tests.”
Matt Riddle’s ascent in WWE led to a lucrative contract renewal, as he transitioned from earning $250k annually to securing a guaranteed $1 million deal:
“I got offered a new contract for a lot more money; it was for me. I went from making like a quarter million a year to making a guaranteed half, then the next year, 750, and the following year, a million. It was like five, five, 750, a mil.”
Despite a period where Matt Riddle appeared poised for main event status, a halted rivalry with Randy Orton and personal issues led to a loss of momentum.
Reflecting on his departure, Riddle acknowledged the factors at play, particularly how his outside-the-ring challenges may have influenced WWE’s decision:
“For me, the writing was on the wall. I’m very good in the ring, I’m very entertaining, but especially with WWE and how they want to be perceived, I don’t think I was a good fit, at least at that time.”
While Riddle hasn’t ruled out a potential return to WWE, he recognizes the importance of staying out of trouble and continuing to build his portfolio, keeping the door open for another opportunity with the Stamford-based organization.
