Since his WWE release in 2023, Matt Riddle has completely reinvented himself on the independent circuit, competing for various promotions around the world. However, he has faced criticism for skipping some indie events over the past few weeks. In response to the backlash he got, Riddle has now defended his actions.
While speaking to Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw, Matt Riddle stated that he loves wrestling, traveling, and everything that comes with it, but the worst part is how missing just one show becomes a big deal.
The King of Bros explained that he wrestled more than 100 times last year, plus meet-and-greets and other events. Riddle says he stays busy and doesn’t think missing a few shows out of 100 should matter, and made it clear that he doesn’t care about the backlash.
“Do you know my least favorite part about it? I love wrestling, I love traveling, I love doing all this. You know what my least favorite part is? You miss one show here and there, and it’s national news. Everybody wants to make a stink about it.
Like, dude, I wrestled over 100 times last year, not to mention meet-and-greets and other things. I stay busy, bro. If I miss five shows out of 100 in a year—eat it. I don’t care.”
Riddle also said he gets frustrated with people acting like they’re perfect. He knows he isn’t, but he always does his best. He compared his situation to legends like JBL and Gerald Brisco, saying that when you’re in demand, you have to sacrifice a lot, including family time, holidays, vacations, and weddings. Even after all that, people still complain if you miss just one show and Riddle just doesn’t like that.
“And then, like, dude, I want to see these ‘perfect’ people. That’s what I want because I’m far from perfect, but I do the best I can. And that’s it, dude.
You know what it’s like, JBL, when you’re in demand. Brisco, you know what it’s like when you’re in demand. You’re making your rent, you do everything—you sacrifice family, you sacrifice holidays, time, vacations, weddings, everything. And then if you miss one show, it’s like, ‘You son of a b****.’
This comes after Matt Riddle skipped an appearance at a Memphis Wrestling event just so that he could attend Nick Hogan’s wedding. Not just that, but Riddle was also accused of scamming another indie promoter out of a lot of money after not showing up for an event. Regardless, Riddle has made it clear he couldn’t care less what his critics have to say and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
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What are your thoughts on Matt Riddle’s response? Do you think he’s justified, or should he be more accountable for missing bookings? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
February 20, 2025 9:30 am