WWE News Roundup: Mickie James reveals backstage controversies, Randy Orton's initial dislike for Riddle, who's the female version of Roman Reigns? (April 30, 2021)

#4 Randy Orton initially disliked Riddle due to their awkward backstage meeting in WWE

Former #WWE Champion and current #WWERaw Superstar @RandyOrton was recently a guest on @TheAnglePod with @RealKurtAngle and @HeyHeyItsConrad.https://t.co/5jjLv1ygyP

— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) April 29, 2021

Although Randy Orton and Riddle currently share a good professional relationship on WWE's main roster, this wasn't always the case.

During Orton's recent appearance on "The Kurt Angle Show," the veteran detailed his first backstage meeting with Riddle in WWE. He first saw Riddle at a WWE event in Miami, where NXT's entire roster was present backstage alongside main roster talent. As Orton tried to break the ice with Riddle, the latter walked past him instead of engaging in a conversation.

"Me, especially being a vet, being around for a while, and I see this, and now I already got a hard-on for these guys, right?" Orton said. "So, it doesn't help when I walk by Matt Riddle, and my olive branch was basically me all looking at Matt, and I just said, I go, 'Oh, there he is, there he is!' Just kind of icebreaker, expecting maybe a, 'Oh, hey Randy. My name is Matt, nice to meet you.' But instead, Matt just kind of barely, you know, with the bloodshot eyes glanced over at me, he is just like, and he just kept walking. I remember thinking, 'that motherf****r.'"

Due to this instance, Orton said that he disliked Riddle in the beginning. The WWE veteran viewed Riddle's actions as a sign of disrespect. But in 2021, both of them are on the same page.

"So, for quite a while, I didn't like Riddle, and it was because of that little scenario. One little incident. And it wasn't even an incident. It's just, I took it as a lack of respect, and when you come back there, and you're brand new, and no one knows you, you want to introduce yourself because we are a band of brothers," Orton added. "I have got to trust you with my body in that ring. And you, the same. You've got to trust me. We should probably make an introduction at some point. We should probably shoot the sh** a little bit, and so, back to Matt Riddle, I love the guy now."

Big thanks to The Viper @RandyOrton for stopping by this week’s #TAP with @RealKurtAngle! https://t.co/9lObMhz2Di

— The Kurt Angle Show (@TheAnglePod) April 27, 2021

On WWE RAW, Riddle and Randy Orton have formed an unusual partnership. This particular development surprised many fans, as Orton has been portrayed as a vicious heel who crossed numerous boundaries in recent memory.