On the latest episode of the “Cheap Heat” podcast, host Peter Rosenberg directed strong criticism toward former WWE superstar Matt Riddle. Rosenberg took issue with Riddle for his recent public statements and his conduct both during and after his time with WWE.
The conversation on the podcast turned to former WWE stars who have made controversial comments after leaving the company. Rosenberg immediately brought up Riddle as a prime example of someone who was given a major opportunity but failed to conduct himself professionally.
“And then Matt Riddle, another, MMA person who showed up to WWE got immense opportunity, acted like a jackass,” Rosenberg began. He continued, explaining that the behavior was a consistent pattern. “And by the way, I never had a problem with Riddle…We had Riddle on the show, had a good conversation with him back in the day, but still carried himself like a jackass, made a bunch of mistakes, made a bunch of enemies.”
Rosenberg stated that this pattern has continued since Riddle’s departure from WWE in 2023. “Now he’s still carrying himself like a jackass, saying things that are completely inappropriate,” Rosenberg said.
He then referenced the specific comments that prompted his criticism. “You know, saying disrespectful things about AJ Lee,” he stated. This is in reference to a recent comments from Riddle about Lee and her marriage to CM Punk, remarks that were met with widespread backlash from the wrestling community.
Rosenberg’s frustration with Riddle’s ongoing comments was evident. “Just shut up, bro. Come on, man, like shut up,” he said.
He also offered a critique of Riddle’s in-ring work, stating that while Riddle had fans, his style never personally appealed to him. “You’re a talented guy. There is some appeal. People liked [you], again, not my guy,” he said. “Like, Riddle in ring did very little for me style wise. It wasn’t for me. It just wasn’t my type of thing.”
Rosenberg then compared Riddle to another famously laid-back superstar, Rob Van Dam, a comparison he feels is not favorable to Riddle. Both performers are known for their relaxed, “stoner” persona, but Rosenberg believes the comparison ends there. “I think people really tried to give him the RVD treatment. And he wasn’t RVD,” Rosenberg stated. “I don’t think he was the actual chill, laid back stoner that RVD was, and he certainly wasn’t the pro wrestler that RVD is.”
Rosenberg concluded by candidly addressing the nature of his on-air criticism, acknowledging the difference between speaking on a podcast and a face-to-face confrontation. “I listen. You could beat me up. There’s no question,” he said. “If you want to know would I say this to Matt Riddle’s face, probably not… But I’m not in his face. I’m right here.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
