There is a debate if Matt Riddle is actually under suspension by WWE. Also, John Cena might miss WrestleMania 39 because of Hollywood.
Debate On Matt Riddle Suspension
On the December 5 edition of RAW, Marry Riddle was attacked by Solo Sikoa. In the end, Riddle needed be stretched out of the arena and will be away for six weeks.
At first, nobody thought much about the angle. Most figured Riddle was a on short break, but the angle was done because he likely failed a drug test.
In fact, some think it was Riddle’s second or third failure.
Now, the confusion continues. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, they went into further details.
Riddle likely failed once over the summer. Therefore, his match with Seth Rollins was moved to Class at the Castle.
That time, Riddle was away from TV between July 25 and August 20. So, it was not the common 30 day suspension.
And, if Riddle misses six weeks of action as WWE mentioned, that is only be 42 days and nowhere near the typical 60 days.
Belief remains that Riddle did in fact fail at least one drug test. Meltzer speculates “either WWE has secretly changed its policy or something doesn’t add up.”
WWE has not indicated if they changed their Wellness Policy. Usually, the company makes a public announcement when someone fails the program.
Spoke to a source on the riddle situation
Matt Riddle was suspended because he tested positive for Cocaine and MDMA.
2nd suspension. Will go to Rehab for 30 days.
1 more suspension, could mean chopping block.
— Xero News (@NewsXero) December 13, 2022
In the past, WWE has requested their talent attend rehab if the problems persist or is out of control. If Riddle makes a quick turnaround, he would like be back on TV around January 17.
John Cena – WrestleMania 39
Source: @WrestleOps, Twitter, Screenshot
WWE has announced the return of John Cena for the December 30 edition of SmackDown. There is no word on what role he will serve, but there is hope it leads to a match.
Although, Cena remains busy in Hollywood. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted how WWE might run an angle that night as Cena is very busy in February and March.
Last time fans saw Cena wrestle was at SummerSlam in 2021. He did not work WrestleMania 38 and lost at WrestleMania 37 to Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Fun House Match.
If he does wrestle, there are three rumored names. They are LA Knight, Logan Paul and Austin Theory.
While Theory seems like the obvious choice, WWE does not seem to be headed in that direction. As for Logan, he is still technically injured.
— Austin Theory (@_Theory1) November 9, 2022
— LA Knight (@RealLAKnight) November 9, 2022
Considering many are under the impression The Rock will wrestle Roman Reigns during night two, WWE already booked a huge name. Sure, they will take Cena, but the power to draw money will come from The Rock.
Of course, WWE could always book Cena at next month’s Royal Rumble. The Royal Rumble Matches usually steal the show, but Cena there would help on the road to WrestleMania.
