According to Fightful Select, according to one higher-up within WWE, Matt Riddle was released because he “burned through too many chances” with the company.
The report also notes there was said to be talk within WWE about Riddle making a return on the September 18 episode of Raw after being out with a double ear infection and bronchitis. However, this information is said to have been outdated. Riddle was pulled from the WWE TV and house show events following the incident that took place at JFK Airport, where he had accused a Port Authority Officer of sexually harassing him.
Following the accusations, it was reported that Port Authority officers at the airport had received a call for a disorderly person who was deplaning. Officers then met the person in question at the terminal, which turned out to be Riddle. Soon after Riddle’s accusations, Port Authority Officials announced they had began an internal investigation.
Fightful Select further notes that WWE did not have Riddle factored into any creative plans. The report concludes stating that he is under a 90-day non-compete clause, which makes him make a free agent and clear to sign with any promotion on Thursday, December 21.