Latest On WWE De-Pushing Matt Riddle

A new theory on why WWE isn't pushing Matt Riddle anymore.

by Andy H Murray
Roman Reigns Riddle
WWE.com

Matt Riddle's current de-push in WWE could be interpreted as a sign that the former UFC fighter is "lower" than anticipated in the company's minds.

Dave Meltzer stated this theory on Wrestling Observer Radio. The comments came during an appraisal of Riddle's booking on this week's episode of Raw, which saw him lose to Imperium's Ludwig Kaiser in around 11 minutes, having tangled with the group's leader, Gunther, several times in recent months.

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Meltzer stated that Riddle's history of frequently getting himself in trouble has made him somebody that WWE isn't going to build around. Despite this, the promotion has largely kept him stronger than losing to Kaiser (who is typically positioned on the midcard) clean.

"Man, he's lower than I thought he was in their minds," said Meltzer of Riddle's situation. He noted that WWE has generally kept the ex-NXT man strong despite opting against making him a centrepiece.

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Pre-Kaiser loss, Riddle defeated Imperium's Giovanni Vinci on the 3 July episode of Raw, also besting Ludwig two weeks prior. He served as a challenger for Gunther's Intercontinental Title at Money in the Bank 2023 (1 July), falling in under 8 minutes.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.