Former WWE Tag Team Champion, Matt Riddle is among the most likable superstars on the whole roster. He partnered with The Viper Randy Orton to form RK-Bro, which gave the WWE Universe numerous unforgettable moments.
However, following a backstage brawl with The Usos in May 2022, Randy Orton suffered an injury and had to take a break. Later in December, Matt Riddle also had to be stretchered out of the arena following Solo Sikoa’s attack on him. Afterward, he went off-air for almost three months, but that wasn’t the real reason behind his hiatus.
The actual reason behind Riddle‘s three-month absence was a violation of WWE’s wellness policies. He failed the drug test for the second time and as a result, he was sent to rehab. Riddle tested positive for cocaine and MDMA.
Given that Riddle’s situation was similar to Jeff Hardy’s, WWE was worried for him. The former United States Champion was thereby warned that his WWE contract would be terminated if he tested positive for drugs one more time.
Speechless. Absolutely speechless right now…#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/TAqYKwl1R0
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022
The first drug violation came last summer at the time of SummerSlam. As a result, the company shifted his match against Seth Rollins to the Clash at the Castle because of “creative adjustment”. Hence, after completing the rehab sentence, The Certified Bro made his return to the company on RAW after WrestleMania and he also seems fully healthy.
Matt Riddle got released from UFC for a similar reason
In 2013, Matt Riddle got released from the UFC after he tested positive for marijuana a second time. The Certified Bro tested positive for drugs for the first time following his UFC 149 fight against Chris Clements. He won the fight, but due to being positive for drugs, the decision was overruled and it was no contest. The same thing happened for the second time at UFC on Fuel TV 7. Hence, the company finally decided to release him.
“I’ve failed two drug tests in seven months. There’s not much I can do. I was prescribed my medicine and I’m going to take it. I got fired over taking my medicine because I don’t want to take pharmaceutical drugs or testosterone. This is what works for me, it’s just s****y, but it is what it is.” Riddle said.
His love for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and MDMA has always been a problem for him. During his time at UFC, he was a huge advocate of marijuana. Riddle even stated that it is a “natural healer” compared to over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, he has completed a rehab sentence, and that might have helped him get clean.