Matt Riddle: I Wouldn’t Have Gone To SmackDown If They Were Gonna Ruin Me

Matt Riddle became popular on the Independent scene thanks to his laid back personality and hard-hitting in-ring style. Riddle was able to keep those traits on NXT, but when he was called up to SmackDown, many fans were concerned Riddle would have to change.

Appearing on After The Bell, Riddle discussed his mindset and how he wasn’t going to let WWE change him.

“My mind is always ‘more work to do.’ I can always improve. AJ [is similar], that’s why he’s as good as he is. After our match, we’re already talking about how we can make everything better, and even after the last match, it’s the same thing. For me, I was just really happy. The amount of trash people talk and were like, ‘why would he be called up, they’re gonna ruin him.’ I’m like, ‘you guys don’t get it.’ Nobody is going to ruin me. I wouldn’t go up if they were gonna ruin me. I don’t care about money. I’ll live on the streets. I want certain things a certain way. I’ll respect you if you respect me. People might say, ‘that’s stupid, it’s always about the money.’ No, if you become a legend, the money comes. I’m not about money, I’m about my status. I told them, ‘I’m about making you money.’ I’m never going to ask for more than I’m worth. At the same time, I know what I’m worth. I think that’s why everything has been good and will only get better,” he said.

Riddle has already solidified himself as one of the top guys on SmackDown, defeating AJ Styles in his first match on the brand and is now involved in a feud with King Corbin.

Elsewhere during the interview, Riddle discussed his continued desire to face Brock Lesnar. You can view his full comments by clicking here.

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