AEW makes the right call to have no interest in Matt Riddle

It’s often hard for a person to be deemed “untouchable” in the world of professional wrestling. There are too many examples of some of the worst people getting multiple chances to be involved in the industry. (Looking at you Hulk Hogan). However, there’s one person who seemingly doesn’t have access to a particular bridge, even if he wants it. After hinting at a potential run in All Elite Wrestling, Matt Riddle and the rest of the wrestling world have learned that Tony Khan has other plans on the matter.

While speaking with Steven Muelhausen of Sports Illustrated, the multiple-time champion touched on a variety of topics, including another run in WWE. He also talked about going to AEW, which has been a tactic used by several former WWE performers.

“I know a lot of the people that work there. I like the company. I like the way they work. I like the people that work there,” Riddle said. “The best answer would be to go to AEW, get more money, and work a decent schedule. I didn’t want to work on TV again. I didn’t want the attention for a while. I wanted to step away. I wanted to do Indies.”

Well, Riddle won’t have to worry about the attention that comes from working on AEW television. Fightful Select reported on Saturday, September 14 that Riddle is “very unlikely” for AEW. According to the report, “[Tony] Khan has not had any interest in bringing Matt Riddle into All Elite Wrestling, especially over the last number of years.” It was also noted that when working on the independent scene or in Mexico, the AEW talent participating did not work with Riddle in any fashion.

This is the right move to make. Riddle is one of those individuals that comes with too much negative attention. He was suspended by WWE on several occasions before being released by the company in 2023. He was also involved in a lawsuit in which the accuser also included the WWE in the complaint. Riddle is one that comes with way too much baggage and he’s someone that all companies should stay away. New Japan Pro Wrestling and Major League Wrestling have elected to work with him, which should be looked at as questionable decisions.

Matt Riddle may have hinted at a run in AEW, but it looks like that door is closed to him. After being a controversial figure for several years, doors to major companies are seemingly closing.