The initial conflict between Riddle and Goldberg was sparked by Riddle’s blunt and often critical social media posts targeting Goldberg’s in-ring abilities and legacy, which many fans observed as unusually harsh. This criticism reportedly led to their first face-to-face showdown backstage during SummerSlam 2019, which was captured by WWE cameras for a documentary-style special. However, Riddle disclosed on TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast that a second, untelevised conversation followed shortly after, revealing even deeper tension between the two[1].
In that second discussion, Goldberg confronted Riddle about the disrespect and rudeness of his public comments, accusing the then-NXT star of not understanding “the business.” Riddle reciprocated, candidly stating to Goldberg, “I just don’t think you’re that great of a pro wrestler.” Goldberg responded dismissively by referencing his financial success, saying, “Oh, well, my bank account’s huge,” to which Riddle replied, “Your bank account… I mean, this will probably always be bigger than mine, but at the end of the day, nobody is going to go back to watch that Bill Goldberg 30-minute classic match. His best match is probably with DDP.” The candid exchange showcased a clash not just of personalities but of perspectives on wrestling excellence and legacy[2].
This behind-the-scenes revelation helps explain the longstanding friction between Riddle and Goldberg. WWE insiders and wrestling journalists have confirmed that Riddle’s outspoken nature often ruffled feathers with top talent, including Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and CM Punk, in addition to Goldberg[3][4]. Riddle has expressed that some wrestlers become “really angry and really uncomfortable with the truth,” especially when criticized on their work ethic, fighting ability, or professional conduct. His blunt critique of Goldberg being “a terrible wrestler” who “injures people” only seemed to contribute to the heat between them[3].
Sources close to the situation say this incident also highlighted the generational and stylistic differences in WWE locker rooms—Riddle representing a new wave of candid, personality-driven wrestlers while Goldberg symbolizes a respected but older school with a legacy of dominant, high-impact performances. According to insider reports, Riddle’s willingness to publicly question legends of the business is rare and often controversial compared to the traditional backstage respect culture[1][3].
In addition to addressing the Goldberg confrontation, Riddle opened up about his initial plans to split from his tag team partner Randy Orton in WWE. He anticipated a heel turn that would allow him to explore a darker version of his character and enter a new creative phase. However, these ideas never came to fruition, as backstage dynamics and creative decisions changed. This reflects the sometimes unpredictable nature of WWE’s storytelling and booking processes, which can suddenly alter a wrestler’s trajectory despite prior agreements[2].
Fans and analysts have debated whether Riddle’s comments about Goldberg and other top stars damage locker room cohesion or provide a welcome dose of honesty that challenges complacency. Riddle himself embraces his reputation as a truth-teller, even if it leads to friction and personal backlash. His approach reflects a modern wrestling environment where social media and personal branding often intersect with backstage realities[3][4].
In conclusion, the revelations from Matt Riddle about his backstage encounters with Bill Goldberg paint a vivid picture of conflict rooted in differing definitions of respect, professionalism, and legacy within WWE. While Goldberg leans on his decorated past and financial success, Riddle focuses on in-ring quality and lasting impact as his criteria. This candid glimpse behind the curtain underscores how wrestling careers are shaped not only by performance in the ring but by complex interpersonal dynamics and evolving cultural standards. As Riddle continues to carve his path, fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see how these tensions influence WWE’s locker room environment moving forward[1][2][3].
Sources: WWE.com, TMZ Inside The Ring podcast, Fightful, WrestlingInc, The Ring Report, Wrestlezone.