Matt Riddle Fails 2nd WWE Drug Test Of 2022, Suspended 6 Weeks
Solo Sikoa's Raw beatdown is NOT the reason you won't see Matt Riddle for six weeks in WWE...
Matt Riddle won't be seen on WWE television for the next six weeks, with the company using the storyline explanation that this is a consequence of a recent beatdown by Bloodline man Solo Sikoa.
WWE announced as much on last week's SmackDown. Riddle was then referenced on last night's Raw, on which his tag team partner, Elias, was defeated by Sikoa.
The real reason behind Riddle's current departure is bigger than this. Per Bodyslam.net's Cassidy Haynes, the former UFC fighter has been suspended for six weeks after failing his second drug test of 2022, having previously been given the choice of "rehab or fired" in the event of another failure.
Riddle's first failed drug test came before SummerSlam, where he was originally set to face Seth Rollins. That match was then pushed to Clash at the Castle as a result of failed test - and this is when the "rehab or fired" ultimatum was issued.
WWE was then forced to write Riddle off for another six weeks after he failed this second test. Now, he is being sent to rehab - and sources believe he has either already commenced treatment or is on the verge of doing so.
While there is currently no word on what, exactly, came up in Riddle's failed tests, WWE no longer tests for marijuana.
As noted by journalist David Bixenspan in September, Riddle's ex-wife, Lisa, is currently attempting to hold the WWE Raw star in contempt for failing to "ensure that his employer sends directly to the Mother the results of his routine lab testing", as defined in a previous agreement:-
#Thread: The most interesting part of the Matt Riddle divorce case file is how, in the custody section of the settlement, he agreed to "ensure that his employer sends directly to the Mother the results of his routine lab testing."
He didn't. She's trying to hold him in contempt. pic.twitter.com/lVlNfTKOzF
Advertisement— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) September 3, 2022
Yes, I have all of the same questions you have:
Is the "routine lab testing" what one would think it would be to be part of the custody agreement?If so, why'd Lisa agree to it, since the "routine lab testing" we're all thinking of isn't remotely frequent?Does WWE even know?
Advertisement— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) September 3, 2022
The next most interesting part is how, early on in the divorce case, Matt Riddle drained their joint accounts and didn't return the funds until three weeks after his ex-wife tried to hold him in contempt.
Yeah.3/3 pic.twitter.com/bNmBGkXmsk
Advertisement— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) September 3, 2022
Lisa and Matt were divorced in March after Lisa accused the wrestler of walking out on his family. The couple have twin daughters and a son together.