Matt Riddle didnt hold back when discussing his TNA debut at TNA Turning Point, and he dropped a surprising claim: the company still hasnt paid him for stepping in during WrestleCade weekend. Riddle, who filled in for Trey Miguel in a six-man tag match, shared the details during an interview with SHAK Wrestlings Shakiel Mahjouri.
There was no call made. I was at WrestleCade, signing autographs, doing pretty well and making pretty good money, a lot of people lined up to take a picture with the bro, Riddle explained. Tommy Dreamer and Ariel [Shnerer] came up to me and said Trey got into, not a horrible car accident, but not a great car accident, and he probably wasnt going to make it to the show.
Despite not being under contract with TNA, Riddle decided to help out. I saw a company that was kind of in need and I saw one of my friends, Zachary Wentz, was definitely in need. His boy was out. Ive teamed up with them and teamed up with Jeff [Hardy] before in the past, and Ive never wrestled the Hardy Boys. For me, I had never done TNA, wanted to do that. Cant really pass up an opportunity to wrestle the Hardy Boys.
But it wasnt all smooth sailing for the former WWE star. Riddle revealed that TNA hasnt compensated him yet. I got an extra payday, which didnt hurt the weekend. Still waiting on that. They have a three-week thing or two-week thing, I dont know. I kind of like my money up front.
Despite the payment issue, Riddle praised TNA for their professionalism during the event and clarified that he has no long-term plans with the company. They have spoken highly of me and to me. I think its impossible [to return], but right now, my home is MLW. Luckily, I work for a company like MLW that wasnt going to crucify me for helping.
Riddle, along with KUSHIDA and Zachary Wentz, ended up losing to Ace Austin and the Hardys in a memorable match.
Riddles TNA debut might have been a spur-of-the-moment decision to help out friends, but his claim about not being paid raises eyebrows about the companys business practices. Whether its a simple delay or something more, this story adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of TNAs reputation behind the scenes. For now, Riddle seems content to move forward, but you can bet he wont let this slide quietly.
What are your thoughts on Matt Riddles comments about TNA? Should the company have resolved this sooner, or is Riddle being too harsh? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
