Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle has recently sparked controversy with his outspoken remarks and booking disputes, leading two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T to assert that Riddle will never return to the top echelons of professional wrestling. Booker T cited Riddle’s lack of respect for the wrestling business and tension with top stars as key reasons why the former NXT talent will not reach major-league status again.
Booker T Speaks Out on Matt Riddle’s Career Prospects
On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T was asked about Matt Riddle’s recent controversial interviews and public behavior. Booker revealed he had doubted Riddle’s capacity to achieve the highest level in the industry even early in his WWE journey.
“I never had beef with Matt Riddle or anything like that. But I did say I did not think this guy was going to make it, you know, to Heavyweight Championship level,” Booker explained. “I just didn’t think Matt Riddle respected the business enough to make it to the next level.”
Booker went on to dissect what he said were Riddle’s misguided priorities, particularly highlighting how Riddle has compared in-ring ability to financial success, mentioning Goldberg as an example.
“When you come in talking about how good somebody is in the ring opposed to how much money somebody made in the business, and for the business, referring to Goldberg… You are totally on the wrong track,” Booker added.
The Hall of Famer also pointed out Riddle’s recent heat with industry heavyweights like Brock Lesnar as further evidence that the former WWE star lacks understanding of wrestling’s nuanced politics.
“When you get heat with guys like Brock Lesnar, you’re totally on the wrong track. You don’t understand the business more than anything,” Booker said decisively[5].
The Controversies That Cloud Matt Riddle’s Image
Matt Riddle has been in the headlines not just for his candid commentary but also for a series of public disputes and problematic statements. One notable incident involved his no-show at a UK wrestling event with Global Wrestling Kingdom (GWK). According to Riddle, the issue stemmed from disagreements over unpaid days and travel logistics. Riddle refused to spend two unscheduled and uncompensated days in London, insisting he should not have to sit idle in a hotel room without pay[1].
GWK initially accused Riddle of scamming their charity event, but later confirmed he repaid his deposit and vowed to cover their expenses, indicating the resolution of the financial dispute[3].
Additionally, Riddle drew sharp criticism after making inflammatory comments about sexual assault allegations connected to the #SpeakingOut movement. A convention in South Dakota, SiouxperCon, swiftly removed him after he dismissed the allegations as “MeToo bullsh*t.” Organizers condemned his remarks and offered refunds to attendees while pledging donations to support survivors of sexual violence[2].
Moreover, Riddle’s provocative and often disparaging comments about fellow wrestlers, including CM Punk and AJ Lee, have not helped his reputation. While some wrestlers, like RVD, publicly supported him as a way to challenge overly sensitive wrestling fan culture, many saw Riddle’s remarks as disrespectful and unprofessional[4].
Behind the Scenes: Wrestling Industry Reaction
Sources close to WWE reveal that Riddle’s recent controversies have made him a divisive figure backstage. One WWE insider noted anonymously:
“Matt’s talent in the ring is real, no doubt. But his attitude, especially toward the business and its legends, is what holds him back. Fans remember the drama, but those in the locker room see the bigger picture—respect here means everything.”
This insider added that WWE executives are reluctant to offer Riddle a major push or main event spotlight given his repeated clashes and public gaffes: “The company wants stars who elevate the product, not its ego. Right now, Matt isn’t fitting that mold.”
What Does This Mean for Matt Riddle’s Wrestling Future?
Given Booker T’s high-profile critique and the mounting controversies surrounding him, prospects for Matt Riddle’s return to a top-tier WWE or major wrestling promotion appear dim in the near term. His talent remains acknowledged by peers, but intangible factors such as respect, professionalism, and public conduct weigh heavily in a wrestler’s career trajectory.
As Booker T bluntly put it, “Matt will never, ever make it to that high ever again.” This harsh judgment reflects a wider industry sentiment wary of performers who, despite ability, alienate peers and management through conduct deemed disrespectful or disruptive.
Whether Riddle will recalibrate his approach and demonstrate renewed respect for the wrestling business remains to be seen. For now, his path back to the “major leagues” faces significant obstacles, both in the eyes of legends like Booker T and the business gatekeepers who shape wrestling’s future stars.