Matt Riddle, a former MMA fighter who transitioned into professional wrestling, gained notoriety for his confrontations with fans after failing multiple marijuana drug tests and subsequently being released from the UFC. The plot thickened as the “King of Brothers” revealed failing cocaine tests three times before his departure from the WWE.
During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Riddle implied that his termination was not solely due to cocaine use. Rather, he alluded to a significant salary increase stipulated in his upcoming WWE contract, as well as other incidents that attracted media attention, including features on TMZ.
“My contract guaranteed me a $1 million income for the next year,” Riddle stated. “This amount far exceeded my earnings from the previous years. Hence, various factors contributed to my departure. I could sense the impending outcome, at least from my perspective.”
“I indulged in cocaine during visits to a strip club on a few occasions,” he confessed. “The drug tests revealed cocaine as the substance each time. It was an impulsive decision during a random night out. WWE conducted tests sporadically, sometimes at the end of a month and the beginning of the following month.”
“Assuming I was safe, I partied and subsequently failed a surprise drug test conducted at my residence. As a result, I was promptly enrolled in a rehabilitation program,” he revealed.
Following a 30-day stint in rehab, Riddle declined an extension proposed by the facility. However, a later incident at John F. Kennedy Airport, where he was involved in a confrontation after allegedly becoming intoxicated and accusing a Border Patrol agent of misconduct, marked the end of his tenure.
Riddle expressed contentment with his current status on the independent wrestling circuit, enabling him to prioritize his mental and physical well-being by taking breaks when necessary. Additionally, he expressed a desire to step back into the MMA cage for another fight in 2024, exploring new opportunities beyond the UFC.
“Inspired by Masvidal’s success in bare-knuckle MMA, I would like to compete in a similar setting against a worthy opponent who won’t overpower me and allow me to recover. Currently weighing 211 pounds, I may consider dropping to middleweight depending on the matchup and circumstances,” Riddle shared.
