In a recent interview with Inside The Ring, former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle revealed that a creative plan was pitched for him to win the 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble match. According to Riddle, the proposed storyline would have used the victory to facilitate the breakup of his tag team with Randy Orton, RK-Bro. The concept was ultimately scrapped, and Brock Lesnar was booked to win the match.
Riddle explained the intended creative direction, stating that his pursuit of a world title following the Rumble win would have caused friction with his partner.
Content continues after the ad
“The idea was I win the Rumble, but then I get a title shot, but then Randy’s mad that I got the title shot, and I’m kind of abandoning our team of RK-Bro to fulfill my dream of becoming world champion, you know, and that was that was pitched,” Riddle said. “But they went a different route. I believe Brock won, you know.”
The change in plans on the day of the event reportedly occurred after Brock Lesnar lost the WWE Championship to Bobby Lashley earlier in the night. Riddle recounted that Lesnar entered the locker room afterward and informed personnel that he would be winning the Royal Rumble match.
Lesnar entered the 2022 Royal Rumble at number 30, eliminating five competitors, including Riddle, to secure his victory. This win led to Lesnar challenging Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 38.
The 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble match was met with widespread criticism from fans following the event.
READ MORE: WWE Confirms Dominik Mysterio vs. El Hijo del Vikingo at Worlds Collide
