WWE personality Pete Rosenberg sharply criticized Matt Riddle’s professional conduct on the Cheap Heat podcast, stating that the former WWE star consistently “carried himself like a jackass.” The comments were a direct response to Riddle’s recent controversial remarks about CM Punk and the recently returned AJ Lee.
Rosenberg detailed his view of Riddle’s tenure and the aftermath, explaining that his behavior was a consistent issue.
“And then Matt Riddle, another MMA person who showed up to WWE, got immense opportunity, acted like a jackass… but still carried himself like a jackass, made a bunch of mistakes, made a bunch of enemies,” Rosenberg said. “Now he’s still carrying himself like a jackass, saying things that are completely inappropriate. You know, saying disrespectful things about AJ Lee.” h/t (Wrestling News)
The critique extended to in-ring comparisons, with Rosenberg dismissing the notion that Riddle was a modern-day Rob Van Dam. He argued that Riddle possessed neither RVD’s authentic persona nor his wrestling ability.
“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.” (via WrestlingNews.co)
Rosenberg’s comments come as Riddle faces public disputes elsewhere in the wrestling world. UK-based promotion Global Wrestling Kingdom (GWK) recently issued a formal statement refuting Riddle’s version of why he missed their August 31st charity event in Barnsley, England.
While Riddle claimed in a video that the promotion lied about his travel arrangements, GWK countered that his flights were booked and approved months in advance. The promotion stated he became unresponsive before informing them he had taken other independent bookings instead. The event was a fundraiser for “Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide” and “Help 4 Homeless Veterans.”
GWK confirmed that Riddle has since returned his deposit and agreed to cover additional expenses incurred by the promotion.