“1 week where I failed bang bang,” Controversial former champion reveals WWE kept his failed drug tests due to cocaine under wraps

Matt Riddle was released by WWE amid the TKO merger cuts in September.

“1 week where I failed bang bang,” Controversial former champion reveals WWE kept his failed drug tests due to cocaine under wraps

Matt Riddle failed multiple drug tests in WWE (via Stamford Advocate and Ringside News)

In September 2023, a dozen superstars were released following the WWE-UFC merger under TKO Group Holdings. Without a doubt, Matt Riddle was one of the shocking firings among those stars. Later, reports circulated that the former MMA star was fired for “burning through too many chances.” Recently, the controversial former champion recalled how his failed drug tests were kept under wraps by WWE.

While speaking with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Riddle revealed that his violations of the Wellness Policy weren’t made public. However, the Stamford-based promotion did punish The Original Bro by imposing a fine on him. When asked how he failed the drug tests twice, Riddle shockingly claimed that he went to a strip club and did some cocaine. 

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The first drug test I took, the WWE tests you randomly any week, but sometimes you get tested at the end of one month and the beginning of another month. So there was one week where I failed bang-bang, didn’t know I failed the second one, and by the time I found out I failed the first one, I got two right at once.
Matt Riddle on failing two drug tests during his time in WWE (H/T: Wrestlezone)

Furthermore, the 38-year-old star explained how WWE drug tests its superstars. While stating that the process is random, it usually happens at the beginning and end of a month. As a result, Riddle subsequently failed consecutive tests during a stretch of a week. Therefore, the company was lenient with him at that time. 

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The WWE Universe felt that off-screen instances such as these were major reasons behind Riddle’s release. According to many, the JFK Airport incident might’ve been the final nail in the coffin, putting an end to his WWE career. Since his 90-day non-compete ended, Riddle has showed up in NJPW and MLW. Recently, he defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Television Championship at The New Beginning in Sapporo.

Matt Riddle commented on his relationship with Randy Orton

The tag team of Matt Riddle and Randy Orton (RK-Bro) was an entertaining pair on-screen. The duo’s in-ring chemistry led to one of the best Tag Team Championship reigns in recent times. In the interview with Helwani, The Original Bro spoke about his relationship with The Viper.

Matt Riddle and Randy Orton
Matt Riddle and Randy Orton (via WWE)

Riddle revealed that Orton initially didn’t like him at all. As per him, the veteran wasn’t a fan of the former US Champion during his NXT days. However, Riddle outlined his tendency to grow on people as a factor behind them becoming good friends on-and-off screen. While addressing his current relationship with Orton, the 38-year-old revealed that he keeps in touch with The Apex Predator.

During their time as a tag team, RK-Bro’s popularity increased week by week due to the pair’s interactions. They won the Tag Team Championships two times, losing it the second time during a title unification match against The Usos. This bout would end up being their final encounter, as Orton would take a significant break to recover from an injury, while Riddle ended up getting fired months before his return.

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