3 Key Points
- Matt Riddle’s 2022 Royal Rumble hopes were allegedly dashed by Brock Lesnar.
- Lesnar’s reported refusal to work with Riddle has sparked intense fan speculation.
- Riddle claims Lesnar’s influence changed the outcome of the 2022 Royal Rumble match.
The Tension Between Matt Riddle and Brock Lesnar
The wrestling world has scrutinized the rocky relationship between Matt Riddle and Brock Lesnar for quite some time. The friction seemed to intensify with their backstage confrontation during the 2020 Royal Rumble, shedding light on Lesnar’s apparent disinterest in working with Riddle. The dynamics between the two athletes have remained a significant talking point, particularly regarding Riddle’s trajectory in WWE.
Riddle’s Alleged Royal Rumble Roadblock
Riding on a wave of momentum leading up to the 2022 Royal Rumble, Matt Riddle was seen by many wrestling enthusiasts as the next big contender. However, hopes were dashed when Brock Lesnar entered the fray, eliminating Riddle with an assertive display of in-ring dominance. Lesnar’s subsequent victory that night has been marred by Riddle’s claims of behind-the-scenes manipulation.
In a telling confession during a “Signed by Superstars” interview, Riddle shared his version of the events. He said, “I believe — you know, it’s sports-entertainment — that I was told at one point, yeah, I was gonna win the (Royal) Rumble and everything else.” However, he suggests that circumstances changed when Brock Lesnar had different plans—insisting on his own victory.
Contrasting Reports and Wrestler Releases
Despite the buzz, corroborated reports about Riddle’s previous chances to win the Royal Rumble remain scarce. His departure from WWE in September of that same year closed one chapter of his career, as he has since moved on to endeavors outside the ring. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar’s influence within the company and his victory at the Royal Rumble continue to be subjects of discussion, with fans and analysts dissecting the authenticity of Riddle’s allegations.
Whether these claims have merit or are merely part of the intricate tapestry of wrestling’s storylines is up to individual interpretation. The professional wrestling community remains divided, with the saga of Brock Lesnar and Matt Riddle still fueling conversations about the nature of competition and storytelling in the squared circle.
