After being written off on the December 5 episode of RAW, fans speculated that Matt Riddle would make his return to WWE television in this year’s 30-Man Royal Rumble match.
The angle involving The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa viciously attacking Riddle was done as he failed a second drug test in 2022, with the expectation that he would go to rehab after violating WWE’s wellness policy earlier that summer.
While away from WWE TV, an adult film star, who admitted to going to rehab, claimed he cheated on her in order to do drugs with another woman. Riddle later issued a statement about going to rehab and the allegations of abuse.
Riddle confirmed his release from rehab earlier this month when he posted a photo of himself and his family eating at a restaurant on Twitter.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported in the most recent issue that Riddle recently earned his BJJ black belt while training under Daniel Gracie. Meltzer speculated that Riddle might not be able to compete in the Royal Rumble due to his second suspension, despite WWE announcing on the December 12 edition of RAW that he would be out for six weeks.
“Riddle was announced as returning in six weeks after the injury angle on 12/12. That would indicate a Rumble return, although if he’s suspended two months, he wouldn’t make that time line,” Meltzer wrote.
