Matt Riddle has been very open about his time in WWE. Recently, the wrestling star revealed his first time meeting Vince McMahon, and what the latter thought of him.
Speaking to Scott Fishman of TV Insider in a recent interview, Riddle recalled his first time meeting McMahon. He said that initially, McMahon viewed him as a “goof,” but Riddle said even if he was, he could compete, which is something he said WWE often is hesitant to understand.
“I think a lot of times, especially with WWE they cater to the world,” said Riddle. “They want simple. So you really can’t be yourself. The company itself just doesn’t try to understand you. I remember when I met Vince and told him I’m a UFC fighter, this and that. I’m wearing flip flops in the [Titan] Towers (WWE headquarters). He is like, ‘Well, you seem like a goof.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah I’m a goof, but I can whip your ass. Kurt Angle was a goof, but he is an Olympic gold medalist.'”
Riddle went on to say that eventually, McMahon understood. He also talked about MLW founder Court Bauer, and noted how he and other companies were more open to believing in him compared to that of AEW or WWE.
“Eventually, he saw that and ran with the ball. Court has always saw the legitimacy behind me. I think with the controversies I’ve had, he sees the value in that where a lot of people might get scared like AEW or WWE,” Riddle said. “At the end of the day, I get a haircut, and there are articles. If I do anything, there are articles good or bad. To him, it’s good in a way. To be honest with you, I wish I wasn’t so polarizing. I wish nobody cared. It’s good for wrestling though.”
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