Matt Riddle’s sudden absence from WWE television prior to his eventual release has sparked curiosity among fans and observers alike. Here, we delve into the timeline of events that led to this unexpected turn of events.
In recent years, Matt Riddle had gained considerable popularity within the WWE universe for his unique in-ring style and charismatic persona. However, behind the scenes, a series of incidents began to raise concerns and ultimately led to his departure from the company.
It all started on February 19, 2021, during an episode of WWE’s flagship show, Friday Night SmackDown. Riddle faced accusations of sexual assault by independent wrestler Samantha Tavel, also known as Candy Cartwright. These allegations sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and prompted an internal investigation by WWE.
As the investigation unfolded, Matt Riddle continued to appear on WWE television, seemingly unaffected by the allegations. The controversy surrounding his name, however, cast a shadow over his career and prompted speculation about how WWE would handle the situation.
On April 2, 2021, during the build-up to WrestleMania 37, reports emerged that WWE had quietly dropped the original plans for Riddle’s singles push. This sudden shift in creative direction indicated that the company was reevaluating its stance on Riddle amidst the ongoing investigation.
In May 2021, WWE released a statement, acknowledging the investigation into the allegations made against Riddle. The company declared that a thorough review had taken place and concluded that there was no evidence to support the claims. WWE subsequently announced that Matt Riddle would continue as an active member of the roster.
Despite the cleared accusations, the backstage atmosphere surrounding Riddle remained tense, with rumors circulating about strained relationships between him and other wrestlers. These rumors suggested potential friction stemming from personal differences or lingering animosity related to the allegations.
Fast forward to August 30, 2021, when WWE abruptly removed Matt Riddle from television programming. This sudden absence caught fans off guard, leaving them speculating about the reasons behind his unexplained departure. Some speculated that it might be related to lingering issues or the company’s decision to move in a different creative direction.
Shortly after being pulled from television, on September 1, 2021, WWE officially announced Matt Riddle’s release from the company. The exact details surrounding his departure and whether it was voluntary or initiated by WWE remain undisclosed.
In conclusion, the timeline of events leading to Matt Riddle’s removal from WWE television before his release is marked by controversy, allegations, and a shifting creative landscape. While the investigation into the sexual assault accusations ended with no supporting evidence found, underlying tensions and strained relationships seemingly contributed to the unraveling of Riddle’s tenure with WWE.
