Randy Orton’s unexpected response to Matt Riddle’s recent non-wrestling business venture has caught fans off guard. After a noteworthy career in WWE, where Riddle and Orton once formed a successful tag-team partnership, the former Raw tag champions are still keeping in touch despite Riddle’s pivot towards content creation on OnlyFans.
Following Riddle’s departure from WWE roughly two years ago amid various controversies, he has since been active on the independent wrestling circuit, while also pursuing ventures beyond wrestling. The news of his OnlyFans account generated an amusing reaction from Orton, who communicated with Riddle about it recently.
Insights from Matt Riddle on His Relationship with Randy Orton
Matt Riddle shared details about his ongoing interaction with Randy Orton in an interview with TMZ Sports, revealing how Orton responded to his OnlyFans promotions. Riddle recounted Orton’s message, which combined surprise and jest regarding the money he earns through the platform. The two maintain a friendship rooted in their shared wrestling history, even if their contact is infrequent.
“You know, Randy hit me up just the other day. I posted something pushing my OnlyFans account. I make a lot of money with that. He wrote to me, ‘You crazy son of a b*tch!’ I go, ‘Randy, I’m not gonna lie, the money is real!’ He goes, ‘It’s probably better on the body, too!’” —Matt Riddle
“But yeah, me and Randy, we talk to each other. I try not to bother him that much because I know how busy he is with his family and everything. We’ve been through a lot together. I think Randy is a lot like me, if I’m not gonna see you today or tomorrow, I’ll stay in touch, but I’m probably not gonna call you everyday and be like, ‘What’s new?’ To be fair, I also have a plethora of children. I got five kids of my own.” —Matt Riddle
Riddle’s comments emphasize how both he and Orton juggle their personal lives alongside their wrestling careers, managing family responsibilities while keeping their bond intact despite physical distance and differing schedules.
Matt Riddle’s Wrestling Legacy and Impact Outside WWE
Matt Riddle first gained prominence during his time at WWE’s NXT brand before transitioning to the main roster, earning multiple championship victories alongside Randy Orton. Their partnership as a team brought them both success, particularly their reign as Raw tag-team champions. Despite his controversial exit from WWE, Riddle has remained active in wrestling and related entertainment fields, building a unique career path.
Outside of wrestling, Riddle has expanded his earnings and public profile through his OnlyFans platform, which offers exclusive content to subscribers. The financial success he mentioned to Orton underscores the changing landscape of athlete careers, where wrestlers increasingly seek income sources beyond traditional promotions.
Zilla Fatu Reflects on a Tough Match with Matt Riddle
Recently, another wrestler shared a vivid memory of competing against Matt Riddle, highlighting Riddle’s toughness and skill in the ring. Zilla Fatu, a Samoan wrestling star, recounted a painful encounter with Riddle during a House of Glory event in Chicago, praising Riddle’s ability despite his flamboyant persona.
“Oh, that’s hard because I’ve got hit a lot in these matches. I like that. I like how you put me on spy. But let’s keep it 100. I’m gonna go with House of Glory in Chicago. Me versus Matt Riddle. Man, Matt Riddle caught me with one of those knees and I felt like I passed out for 10 minutes. It was only a few seconds and I was just so blessed that the ropes was right here and I was able to grab it.
Even though he has that little flamboyant character or whatever you want to call it. Look, he’s the real deal Holyfield. Okay! That’s why I never underestimate my opponent. I don’t care what they look like. But, Matt Riddle definitely is one of the ones.” —Zilla Fatu
Fatu’s story reinforces Riddle’s reputation as a fierce competitor whose skills command respect regardless of his off-ring personality. The anecdote demonstrates Riddle’s blend of toughness and entertainment value, which made him a standout figure in mid- and upper-tier wrestling circuits.
What the Future Holds for Randy Orton and Matt Riddle
Although Randy Orton remains a prominent figure in WWE, known as “The Viper” for his calculated and ruthless style, Matt Riddle’s career has taken a divergent path, blending independent wrestling with digital entrepreneurship. Orton’s playful but supportive reaction to Riddle’s OnlyFans venture illustrates their enduring camaraderie even as their careers evolve separately.
The broader significance lies in how former WWE stars adapt to life after their time with the promotion, with Riddle’s success on OnlyFans setting a notable example of wrestlers leveraging alternative platforms to maintain visibility and generate income. Meanwhile, Orton continues to be a key player in WWE storylines, managing his personal and professional commitments.
Fans can expect these two wrestling personalities to remain relevant within their respective spheres—Orton in mainstream wrestling and Riddle on the indie scene and digital content space—both navigating their careers with a shared history and mutual respect.
