The bitter WWE rivalry between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins captivated fans with its intensity and personal edge. But what was the reality behind the scenes? Former WWE star Matt Riddle recently opened up about his relationship with Rollins, clarifying the nature of their feud and whether the animosity seen on TV was genuine.
The On-Screen Feud That Had Fans Talking
Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins were involved in a heated WWE storyline that saw emotions run high in the ring. Their matches featured a mix of hard-hitting action and psychological warfare, culminating in moments where Rollins appeared to exploit Riddle’s emotional vulnerability for advantage. The feud was praised for its in-ring quality but raised questions about how much of the tension was real, given Rollins’ reputation as a protected top star and Riddle’s emerging status as a promising talent[2].
Riddle Clarifies His Off-Screen Relationship With Rollins
In a candid discussion, Riddle dismissed rumors alleging substantial real-life bitterness between them. He expressed that while they might not have been close friends, there was mutual professional respect. According to Riddle, their interactions outside the ring were cordial, and they worked together effectively during their feud.
“I wouldn’t say we were best buddies, but Seth is a good guy backstage. We did our job well in the ring,” Riddle explained. “There’s a difference between storyline heat and personal issues. That’s what people sometimes don’t get about wrestling.”[5]
Rollins’ Perspective: Genuine Tensions?
Conversely, Seth Rollins has publicly admitted to harboring genuine dislike for Riddle, not just as part of the scripted feud but stemming from backstage issues. In interviews, Rollins criticized Riddle’s attitude and professionalism, recalling incidents where Riddle allegedly disrespected higher-profile wrestlers in NXT and clashed over personal conduct involving locker room dynamics. Rollins claimed his negative feelings were rooted in Riddle’s behavior, not his in-ring talent, and particularly mentioned an episode involving Rollins’ wife and body-shaming allegations that escalated tensions[1].
Conflicting Views from the Locker Room
Sources close to WWE insiders reveal that the locker room atmosphere during the feud was complex but not outright hostile. According to a WWE insider, “Seth is known to be very particular about how guys earn their spot, and Matt’s style rubbed some people the wrong way. But they kept it professional most of the time. The heat was more drama than reality.” This nuance highlights how wrestling storylines often reflect exaggerated versions of backstage relationships to enhance storytelling[5].
Promos and Creative Restrictions Impacted Their Dynamic
Matt Riddle also discussed WWE’s creative process during the feud. He revealed that certain promo topics and angles were restricted by Rollins or creative decision-makers, which influenced how the rivalry played out publicly.
“There were lines we weren’t allowed to cross, which meant sometimes the promos didn’t have the full emotional punch we wanted,” Riddle said in a recent interview with TMZ Inside the Ring. This behind-the-scenes insight suggests that, despite the apparent tension, the feud was carefully brokered to maintain company interests and personal boundaries[4].
In-Ring Chemistry and Legacy
Despite any backstage friction, their feud contributed positively to both wrestlers’ careers. Critics and fans alike praised their matches for athleticism and storytelling, with many considering them a highlight in each man’s wrestling timeline. Some have suggested Rollins’ veteran status gave Riddle a legitimate rub, while others believe the storyline protected Rollins’ image at Riddle’s expense[2].
What This Means for Both Wrestlers’ Future
Since their feud, Matt Riddle’s departure from WWE sparked speculation about the cause. While the fallout between them remains partly private, Riddle’s comments portray a professional, if complicated, relationship rather than outright personal hatred.
“Seth and I had our moments, but nothing that stops us from being decent colleagues,” Riddle said. A WWE insider concurs, “Wrestling is a business of friction and artifice. What you see isn’t always what is.”