Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle stirred controversy in a recent statement by challenging Roman Reigns to a real fight, claiming he would come out on top. The outspoken ex-wrestler made this bold claim during an interview with TMZ Sports, emphasizing his confidence in his fighting abilities beyond the wrestling ring.
Riddle, who held the WWE United States and Tag Team Championships, was released from WWE in September 2023 amid reports of unusual behavior outside the ring. Before his wrestling career, he competed as a mixed martial artist in the UFC, giving weight to his claims about real fighting prowess. His post-WWE remarks show that he is unafraid to express strong opinions about current industry stars, including Roman Reigns.
The Background of Riddle’s MMA Career and WWE Tenure
Known for his candid personality, Riddle’s reputation as a fighter carries the dual legacy of being both a UFC competitor and a highly regarded WWE performer. His transition from MMA to professional wrestling gave him unique insights into both scripted and real combat sports. This background fuels his confidence in challenging Reigns beyond the WWE stage.
During the June 17, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns defeated Matt Riddle in an official wrestling match, extending his long reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Despite that scripted loss, Riddle maintains a firm belief in his real-world fighting edge over Reigns.
Riddle’s Statement on Beating Roman Reigns
In the TMZ Sports interview, Riddle was blunt about his perspective on how a genuine fight would unfold between him and Reigns.
“They asked me to talk crap about Roman and I told everybody, ‘Hey, you might beat me in the ring, but if we were in the cage or in the street, I’d beat the hell out of him. And he knows that and I know that and everybody else knows that. And Roman got upset about that.” —Matt Riddle, Former WWE Superstar
This comment highlights Riddle’s confidence in his combat skills, drawing a clear line between the scripted outcomes of wrestling matches and his view of real physical confrontations.
Roman Reigns Reflects on His Historic Championship Reign
Roman Reigns, whose lengthy tenure as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion spanned from August 2020 to April 2024, chose that reign as the defining highlight of his WWE career. When asked about his favorite WWE moment, he explained the complexity and significance of his extended championship run.
“My 1,316-day title reign. I can’t just pick one, there were so many moments in that. Just that reign alone is unprecedented.” —Roman Reigns, WWE Superstar
This tenure included multiple high-profile matches, including the victory over Matt Riddle, which reinforced Reigns’ dominant position within WWE.
Reigns’ Upcoming WWE Return and Prospects for Clash in Paris
Roman Reigns is anticipated to make his return to WWE television on the August 18 and August 25 episodes of WWE Monday Night Raw. His appearances are expected to build momentum toward the Clash in Paris pay-per-view scheduled for August 31 in France, where Reigns is set to compete. However, an official opponent for Reigns at the event has yet to be announced, fueling speculation about possible challengers, including potential encounters with former WWE champions.
Current Landscape of WWE Storylines and Rivalries
While the focus remains on Reigns‘ championship legacy and future matches, WWE continues to navigate intense rivalries and storylines involving notable wrestlers. John Cena is open about his plans regarding retirement and remaining goals within WWE, while the competition between WWE and rival AEW intensifies, especially regarding broadcast rights and talent acquisition.
Additionally, the Bloodline faction continues to evolve, with family members yet to fully break into WWE’s main roster. Behind the scenes, figures like Vince McMahon are still influencing the industry’s direction despite controversies surrounding recent appearances and comments.
The Impact of Riddle’s Challenge on WWE and Fan Reactions
Matt Riddle’s provocative challenge to Roman Reigns underscores the ongoing tension between scripted wrestling storylines and real-life athletic competition. His background as a UFC fighter adds credibility to his statements, making the challenge resonate beyond typical wrestling banter. Roman Reigns’ reaction to the comments, described as upset, adds intrigue to their dynamic, especially with Riddle no longer under WWE contract.
This incident could renew fan interest in the rivalry between the two, possibly influencing future promotional narratives or even special appearances. As Reigns prepares for his return and forthcoming matches, the bold remarks by Riddle serve as a reminder of the blurred boundaries between entertainment and real fighting in professional wrestling.
