Backstage Reaction to Matt Riddle’s Last-Minute TNA Turning Point Debut

At Turning Point, Matt Riddle debuted in Wrestling as the mystery man in a six-man tag-team match. With Trey Miguel unable to make the show, Riddle filled in and teamed with Zachary Wentz and KUSHIDA. Unfortunately for the Original Bro, his TNA debut was not a successful one as his team lost to TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys and ABC’s Ace Austin.

TNA only found out that Miguel would not be able to appear on Friday afternoon, Fightful Select reports, mere hours before the show began that same day. Riddle reportedly found out not long before the show that he was needed and ended up making the trip to the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Sources in TNA said that the situation was far from ideal, but they were not worried about finding a replacement for Miguel. That’s because Turning Point was a part of the WrestleCade event, and there were “a hundred or so possible replacements” for Miguel.

Those in TNA were said to be pleased with the reaction Matt received, but would not commit to using him again at this time. Riddle has yet to be advertised for any future TNA pay-per-views of TV events.

Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023, and was one of the most high-profile names cut following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. The former U.S Champion’s exit came after a series of controversies, including a stint in rehab, a cocaine-related suspension, issues backstage with multiple wrestlers, and allegations of sexual assault, though the case against him was later dropped. Shortly after his release, Riddle made a scene at JFK Airport, with sources at the scene suggesting that he was drunk.

Whether fans see Riddle in TNA Wrestling again or not remains to be seen, but the Original Bro certainly made an impression when he arrived. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Matt Riddle and his next steps in the world of pro wrestling.