During an interview with Going Ringside, former WWE talent Matt Riddle when asked about whether he would consider joining AEW, he answered that he would. Riddle then continued on by claiming that has heard from people in WWE all CM Punk does is “belly aches and complaints” and is a “headache.”
“Yeah I would totally work for AEW. I feel like – when they first started they hired a lot of former WWE guys and I think that left a bad taste the mouth because other than Moxley and maybe another couple – really didn’t work out to well. Most of them just got fat checks and didn’t do much – so that is why I don’t think they want to deal with – I think that is why they are using more homegrown talent.”
When CM Punk was brought up about things going “belly up” for AEW, Riddle said the following:
“Went belly up and cost the fans money and everything else – They’re still rebuilding. You know, I’m not a big fan of that guy either. That guy sucks. He’s a bitch to work with in the back.”
Then when asked why is difficult to work with, Riddle then said the following:
“Because he just belly aches and complains. This guy complains about getting multiple world title runs. I’ve heard from my boys that still work there (WWE) that he is a headache, and this isn’t a storyline, this is the facts. So, this is what it is.”
Riddle also talks about the time John Cena gave him a “verbal lashing.” You can listen to/watch the full interview below:
Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023, reportedly due to because burning through too many chances with the company.
Prior to his release, Riddle was pulled from the WWE TV and house show events following an incident in September 2023 that took place at JFK Airport, where he had accused a Port Authority Officer of sexually harassing him. Port Authority officers also received a call for a disorderly person who was deplaning. Officers met the person in question at the terminal, which turned out to be Riddle.
TMZ later released fan video of the incident.
Riddle is the current MLW Heavyweight Champion, in his first reign. He defeated Satoshi Kojima at the Kings of Colosseum event back on January 11, 2025 to win the title.