Matt Riddle Says AEW Regrets Signing Ex-WWE Stars Who “Got Fat Checks and Didn’t Do Much”

Matt Riddle has his eye on AEW—but not without calling out how the company used to do business.

While speaking with Going Ringside, the former WWE star opened up about the idea of signing with AEW and why he believes they’ve changed their approach to hiring.

Riddle said he’d be open to working with AEW but feels the company is still recovering from past missteps—namely, bringing in too many former WWE names who didn’t deliver.

“Yeah, I would totally work for AEW. I feel like when they first started, they hired a lot of former WWE guys and I think that left a bad taste in their mouth, because other than Moxley and maybe another couple, it didn’t really work out too well. Most of them just got fat checks and didn’t do much. So, and I think they don’t want to deal with that.”

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According to Riddle, AEW is now focusing more on homegrown talent, a move he seems to respect and understand.

“That’s why they’re using more homegrown talent… they’re still rebuilding.”

Riddle didn’t sugarcoat it—he thinks AEW learned the hard way that not every ex-WWE name is worth the price tag. Whether he ends up in an AEW ring or not, one thing’s clear: he’s not here to play nice or play politics. If they call, he’ll pick up—but only if the deal makes sense for both sides.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.