Although Matt Riddle was released by WWE in 2023, he disclosed that discussions about his return around WrestleMania 41 in 2025 were seriously considered. The opportunity arose after Randy Orton sought an opponent for his WrestleMania match, which ultimately resulted in TNA World Champion Joe Hendry being chosen as the surprise contender. Riddle’s close involvement with WWE at that time reveals that WrestleMania 41 talks could have led to a different matchup on a major stage.
Randy Orton Personally Advocated for Riddle’s Participation
During his appearance on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast on February 21, 2026, Riddle explained that Randy Orton directly contacted him, proposing that he be the opponent for WrestleMania. This direct outreach from Orton was significant, demonstrating that the idea was not merely speculative but had serious behind-the-scenes momentum. Riddle expressed his surprise and gratitude for Orton’s support of the concept.
“They call me, I’ll show up. The last time I talked to anyone from WWE was before WrestleMania last year. They were looking for an opponent for Randy, and Randy actually hit me up and said, ‘Hey, I pitched you to be my opponent.’ I was like, ‘Holy crap, thank you.’” – Matt Riddle
Riddle Took Immediate Steps to Confirm His Availability
Riddle did not treat the offer lightly; he reached out to Triple H to affirm his readiness to compete and comply with any requirements WWE might have. This initiative underscored his genuine willingness to return for one of wrestling’s biggest events, though WWE’s response was professional yet non-committal. Ultimately, the company opted for Joe Hendry in the role Riddle had anticipated.
“I even reached out to Triple H and said, ‘Hey, I’ll be there if you need me. I’ll pass a drug test, whatever you need. I’ll be there.’ He told me he appreciated it and that they’d keep me in mind, but they went in a different direction, which ended up being Joe Hendry.” – Matt Riddle
Ongoing Communication and Future Possibilities Remain Open
Despite the setback, Riddle emphasized that dialogue with WWE and other combat sports organizations continues intermittently. He noted that opportunities often arise unexpectedly in these industries, and there is always a chance for further engagement. His comments suggest that while WrestleMania 41 did not feature him, his potential return to WWE or related promotions remains possible.
“There’s always a little bit of conversation here and there. And with WWE, or even UFC or combat sports in general, you can never say never. There’s always a chance something could happen. We’re all hungry. We’re all ready to go.” – Matt Riddle
Riddle’s Current Career and Wrestling Landscape
Presently, Matt Riddle continues to wrestle independently and competes in various promotions such as Major League Wrestling (MLW). His revelation about the WrestleMania 41 discussions provides fresh insight into how close he was to rejoining WWE for a high-profile match against Randy Orton, also known as The Viper. While the original plan shifted to featuring Joe Hendry, this information highlights the fluid and unpredictable nature of booking in professional wrestling.
Potential Impact of a Riddle-Orton WrestleMania Match
Fans and analysts are left to speculate on whether a Matt Riddle versus Randy Orton bout at WrestleMania 41 would have overshadowed the actual surprise appearance of Joe Hendry. Given Riddle’s popularity and in-ring style, the possible matchup represented a significant “what if” scenario for WWE’s marquee event. This revelation adds a new layer to the narrative of WrestleMania 41, emphasizing how close insider plans can differ from the final product seen by audiences worldwide.
