Matt Riddle has drawn significant backlash from wrestling fans after making controversial claims about AJ Lee. During an interview with TMZ’s Inside the Ring published on September 3, Riddle stated he had “no problems with her” but then made insinuations about her past, claiming, “she did get around from what I heard.” The comments landed amid intense speculation that Lee is preparing for an in-ring WWE return after a decade-long absence.
The former WWE star elaborated on his view during the conversation. “AJ, you know, I have no problems with her. I’m a little f**ked up myself, but she did get around from what I heard. But no disrespect to that. People like to hook up,” Riddle stated.
The reaction from fans on X was immediate and critical. Many users described the comments as disrespectful, with some suggesting it could provoke a response from Lee’s husband, CM Punk. One user labeled Riddle the “2025 Ryback,” a reference to another former WWE talent known for making contentious claims.
Riddle’s remarks have inserted him into what has become one of the most talked-about potential storylines in WWE. The rumors of Lee’s return ignited following the events at Clash in Paris on August 31, where Becky Lynch’s interference allowed Seth Rollins to defeat CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. Lynch then slapped Punk during a confrontation on the September 2 episode of Monday Night Raw.
Since then, teases for Lee’s comeback have escalated. On RAW, Punk warned Lynch she would regret her actions, a moment that fueled speculation of his wife’s involvement. The situation was further amplified on September 3 when the official WWE Shop account on X posted and later deleted a comment suggesting new AJ Lee merchandise was being prepared for WrestlePalooza.
Reports indicate that a mixed tag team match featuring Lee and Punk against Lynch and Rollins is planned for the WrestlePalooza premium live event on September 20. This would be Lee’s first WWE match since she retired in 2015 due to a neck injury. Her return is widely seen as a potentially monumental moment, as she is considered a pivotal figure in WWE’s “Women’s Revolution.”