Matt Riddle, the former WWE Superstar, recently opened up about his release from the company, revealing that he was on track to earn a substantial $1 million per year before his departure.
Matt Riddle WWE Success and Controversies
During his time with WWE, Riddle achieved notable success, clinching the United States Championship and the RAW Tag Team Championship as part of RK-Bro. However, his tenure was also marked by controversies, ultimately leading to his release in September 2023.
The WWE/UFC Merger Factor
In a candid discussion on The Kurt Angle Show, Riddle acknowledged the impact of the WWE/UFC merger on his departure. He highlighted the strained relationship between him and UFC President Dana White as a contributing factor. Additionally, Riddle mentioned that John Laurinaitis had offered him a significant raise, elevating his annual earnings to $1 million.
“I think that definitely didn’t help things,” Riddle explained. “I know me and Dana White don’t have the greatest relationship and I know he’s definitely a big part of that.”
A Million-Dollar Offer
Recounting the pivotal moment in Laurinaitis’ office, Riddle shared, “They gave me a substantial raise, and it increased every year, and this year, I was gonna get paid a million a year.” The offer was a testament to Riddle’s impact and success in the company.
Behavior and HR Issues
Despite the lucrative offer, Riddle acknowledged that his behavior and clashes with Human Resources (H.R.) played a role in his release. Admitting to “ruffling some feathers” in the last few months of his tenure, he acknowledged multiple factors contributing to his departure.
“I also think the merger didn’t help and then also, my behavior didn’t help either and I ruffled some feathers with H.R. in the last couple of months,” Riddle stated.
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Learning from Setbacks
Reflecting on the circumstances, Riddle expressed resilience and a willingness to learn from his mistakes. He acknowledged that the release presented new opportunities and emphasized the importance of moving forward.
“One door shuts, another door opens, and you just learn from your mistakes and stuff. I don’t know,” Riddle concluded.
Amidst the revelations, Matt Riddle’s journey in WWE stands as a tale of triumphs, controversies, and the complexities that define a professional wrestling career.
