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What's the story?
Matt Riddle is a known advocate of marijuana and when asked about possibly quitting smoking marijuana to join WWE. Riddle openly stated that he would quit, but under one circumstance, in an interview with VICE Sports
In case you didn't know...
Matt Riddle was once a UFC fighter, but he got fired after testing positive for marijuana. He would quit his MMA career and go on to become a pro-wrestler, where he had an acclaimed rookie year, even winning the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's "Rookie of the year" award.
He's one of the top wrestlers on the independent scene today, and he also works a schedule with New Japan Pro Wrestling. He has undoubtedly been on WWE's radar, but his open marijuana habits have probably prevented them from signing him.
The heart of the matter
When asked by VICE Sports if he would possibly quit smoking marijuana to join WWE, and he said that if the money was right, he would do it:
“If the money was right with [WWE] and they said you have to quit smoking, I’d quit smoking. If New Japan was down, I wouldn’t bring weed to Japan—I’m not an idiot,” he says. “I know [the Japanese] drink, so I’d still enjoy myself. Honestly, right now I make six figures. I make my own merch. I’m the main or co-main event of every show I’m on. I get to be me and I get to wrestle like I want to. Can they promise me that? If not, why would I go to WWE to probably make less money and be gone more? By the time they do pick me up, if they decide to, I’ll be worth so much more.”
Matt Riddle seems to be one of the many talents on the independent scene who don't rely on WWE to make big money anymore. Any wrestler who can work lesser dates and a less hectic schedule while making great money won't join WWE for monetary purposes.
What's next?
Riddle will continue his work as an up-and-comer on the independent scene. Whether or not he will join WWE sometime in the future is yet to be seen.
Author's take
As much as fans would love to see Riddle in WWE, it's always nice to see independent wrestlers make a comfortable living outside of WWE. It increases the options for wrestlers and prevents WWE from becoming a monopoly. That being said, it won't be surprising to see him come one day, especially at the rate in which his popularity is spreading in the world of wrestling.
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