Matt Riddle explains why WWE made changes to his character (Exclusive)
Matt Riddle worked for WWE between 2018 and 2023 before receiving his release. In an exclusive interview, The Original Bro gave an insight into why the company altered certain aspects of his on-screen presentation.
Riddle arrived in WWE with a reputation as a hard-hitting mixed martial artist from his days in the UFC. The 38-year-old used several MMA-style strikes and submissions in his WWE moveset. He also entertained fans with his laid-back personality and sense of humor.
Riddle spoke to Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter and host Dr. Chris Featherstone about his WWE gimmick, including his entrance music. The former United States Champion revealed he took inspiration from a Grand Theft Auto video game and a Warren G song. He also explained why WWE changed his original theme, Hey Bro by CFO$.
"The change, that's just WWE," Riddle said. "They change things as they see fit. It'll probably be as the guy that created that music wasn't working with them or what have you, so they probably just had to change it slightly. The original, they asked me what I wanted as a theme song, and I told them I wanted Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas with brass instruments. Regulators kinda feel. You know Warren G? Yeah, so Regulators, a big fan." [1:32 – 2:00]
In the video above, Matt Riddle disclosed details about his criticism of Bill Goldberg and how the WWE Hall of Famer reacted.
Matt Riddle on the origin of his scooter
During his time in WWE, Matt Riddle often rode a scooter in backstage segments and ring entrances. A scooter also featured on several merchandise items, including RK-Bro shirts when he teamed up with Randy Orton.
Riddle added that WWE's decision-makers wanted him to ride a scooter because skateboards have already been used in pro wrestling:
"WWE, they change a lot. Like the scooter, when they said scooter I was like, 'Well, how about a skateboard?' and they're like, 'No, other people are doing the skateboard thing a lot.' 'What about a dirt bike?' I go, 'I can do tricks and flips and everything on a dirt bike.' They go, 'Ah, that's a lot. Here's a scooter.' But the kids loved the scooter. A lot of adults loved the scooter. I learned to love the scooter, especially in bigger arenas because I could scoot all around the backstage. It was hard doing promos on the scooter. Memorizing your lines while doing skits." [2:55 – 3:28]
Riddle also addressed which wrestler he would like to work with if he ever gets rehired by WWE.
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