Freshly released by WWE…is a big bout in the works for Matt Riddle?
According to the Wrestling Observer…maybe.
As talented a fighter as Riddle may be, his baggage and his demons did him in with WWE.
Matt Riddle Released By WWE
During his time with the company, it felt like we’ve seen him hold as many titles as he’s had scandals.
In no particular order, we’ve seen him deal with a testy divorce, a bad breakup, accusations of sexual abuse, a stint in rehab and, oh yes, that bizarre airport incident just before the company released him.
When his pink slip was discussed, some close to the company didn’t mince words…he has simply run out of chances.
Even before the airport incident, before the release, the prevailing opinion was that Riddle just had too much baggage, and any once-planned push was forever on the back burner.
All of those issues makes his brash talk about legends like Brock Lesnar and Goldberg seem downright tame.
So now that he’s been cut loose…
Big Bout In The Works For Matt Riddle?
According to the Observer, there have been preliminary discussions between Riddle’s representatives and those of Jake Paul.
Jake is, of course, WWE Superstar Logan Paul’s brother.
Because of Riddle’s in-place non-compete, he can’t work for any wrestling promotion until the later part of December.
However, it is believed that the non-compete may not restrict him from working in other combat sports, such as MMA or boxing.
And Jake Paul makes his money working special attraction boxing matches.
I am not so sure a Paul-Riddle boxing match would be his highest profile bout to date, but it would give the former WWE tag champion a chance at his possible first post-WWE payday.
And for all the speculation, I am not so sure a non-compete would matter. Boxers often take several months to train for a fight, and those are people who’ve boxed before.
Riddle doesn’t quite have that experience, so I have to think any pre-fight prep time would require time beyond any non-compete expiration.
