Matt Riddle has been a name that fans have speculated about making his return to WWE television in this year’s 30-Man Royal Rumble match after he was written off on the December 5 episode of Raw.
The angle to do so was when the Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa viciously attacked him. In reality, the angle resulted from Riddle failing a second drug test in 2022 with the expectation that he would be going to rehab as he had previously violated WWE’s wellness policy over the summer.
While away from WWE TV, an adult film star, who confirmed he went to rehab, alleged that he cheated on her to do drugs with another woman. Riddle later issued a statement on going to rehab and abuse allegations.
Earlier this month, Riddle confirmed he was out of rehab when he took to Twitter to upload a photo of himself and his family while eating at a restaurant.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Riddle recently got his BJJ black belt while training under Daniel Gracie. Meltzer noted that Riddle might not be back in time for the Royal Rumble due to his second suspension despite WWE originally announcing on the December 12 edition of Raw that he would be gone for six weeks.
Meltzer wrote, “Riddle was announced as returning in six weeks after the injury angle on 12/12. That would indicate a Rumble return, although if he’s suspended two months, he wouldn’t make that time line.”
There are 14 open spots in the Men’s Royal Rumble.
