Matt Riddle was written off WWE television following a brutal attack by Solo Sikoa on last week’s (December 5) WWE Raw.
It’s typical for this to happen so the wrestler can take some time off, come back with a new character, make a movie, or in Riddle’s case entering rehab.
The news comes from bodyslam.net and Riddle will be off WWE TV for six weeks after failing the WWE Wellness Policy a second time this year.
BREAKING: Due to the attack by @WWESoloSikoa on #WWERaw, @SuperKingofBros is expected to be out of action for six weeks. #SmackDown
— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2022
Second time’s the charm
Since the WWE doesn’t test for marijuana use anymore, it looks like Riddle failed their test due to something else, but there’s been no reports saying what it was as of yet.
This makes sense, especially given how the WWE is tight lipped when it comes to anything internal.
One thing that has been reported is this is Riddle’s second failed test this year, with the first coming when Vince McMahon was still running the WWE.
This is reportedly the reason why Riddle’s match against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2022 was postponed until Clash At The Castle instead of the publicly announced “changed due to new creative direction.”
Taking talent out of events to keep them in line is a standard procedure for just about every sport, though generally it’s an official suspension.
Now that Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Kahn are running things, it’s been reported that they’ve taken a different approach.
They allegedly informed Riddle that he’d have to go to rehab or have his contract terminated if he failed another drug test.
What’s next?
There have been different reports that Riddle was already in rehab or he’s about to go, but it’s believed the program will have to be completed before his scheduled return date. Since the program lasts a month, everything should work out.
There hasn’t been any reports as to what the WWE’s third strike would entail, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it would result in termination of his contract.
We hope it doesn’t come to that and Riddle is able to get the help he needs at rehab and can avoid hitting rock bottom.
Professional wrestling’s landscape is full of performers and promoters that couldn’t get a handle on their demons, and we hope Riddle will be a success story.
We wish him the best and hope he comes through it all, but it’s never an easy task or road. If he has the right people around him we’re sure he’ll manage to turn things around.
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