Matt Riddle’s Hilarious (and Tense) First Encounter with John Cena: From Verbal Lashing to “Bro” Bros
Former WWE United States Champion Matt Riddle, the barefoot “King of Bros,” has never shied away from sharing unfiltered stories from his time in the promotion. In a fresh interview published today (October 12, 2025), Riddle revisited his initial backstage meeting with retiring WWE legend John Cena—a moment that started with an accidental diss and escalated into a heated debate over Riddle’s quirky persona. While their on-screen chemistry later sparked a memorable “bro-off” segment on Monday Night RAW in 2021, the behind-the-scenes origin tale is equal parts awkward and endearing, highlighting Cena’s no-nonsense intensity and Riddle’s laid-back vibe.
The Backstory: A Rookie Slip-Up
Riddle, who joined WWE’s main roster in 2020 after stints in NXT and a decorated MMA career, was still finding his footing as the flip-flop-wearing everyman when he first crossed paths with the 16-time world champ. Chatting with colleagues Aleister Black (now Malakai Black) and Tommaso Ciampa, Riddle didn’t realize Cena was within earshot. “I go, ‘Dude, John Cena, right? You know what, though? I thought he’d be bigger,'” Riddle recounted, emphasizing it wasn’t a jab at Cena’s 6’1″, 251-pound frame but a naive expectation of larger-than-life proportions.
Cue the “verbal lashing.” Cena, overhearing the comment, pulled Riddle aside for what turned into an hour-long interrogation. “He gave me crap for being the ‘King of Bros,’ tried to get me to explain what that was, and no answer was good enough for John Cena,” Riddle shared. The exchange got “slightly heated,” with Riddle defending his chill persona (“Dude! I’m just a cool, laid-back kind of guy!”) while Cena pressed for clarity on the bro-king concept. Onlookers were baffled, but Riddle stood his ground—until Cena circled back later, still grilling him pre-match against Bobby Lashley (noted as Bishop Dyer in some retellings, likely a mix-up).
From Tension to Bromance: How It Evolved
Despite the rocky start, Riddle insists Cena is “a great guy, a nice guy, [and] professional.” Their rapport bloomed over time, culminating in that iconic RAW promo where they traded “bro” chants like verbal ping-pong, earning a nod from Randy Orton: “John Cena just gave you the rub.” Years later, Cena even acknowledged Riddle’s explanation with a knowing “I get it now, bro.” Riddle’s take? Cena’s retirement tour is “great,” and he’s “happy for him,” calling the icon a straight-up GOAT.
This isn’t Riddle’s first Cena anecdote—earlier in June 2025, he detailed the spat on the Going Ringside podcast, tying it to Cena’s sensitivity about size comments (fair, given his powerhouse build). It’s a classic locker room yarn: the vet schooling the newcomer, only for mutual respect to win out. Post-WWE (Riddle was released in 2023 amid backstage issues), he’s thriving in MLW as their World Champion, but stories like this keep his WWE legacy alive.
Riddle’s reflections come at a poignant time, with Cena winding down his in-ring career after tying Ric Flair’s record at 17 world titles. Fans on X are buzzing about Cena’s influence, from advice to rookies like LA Knight to heart-to-hearts with MJF. What’s your favorite Cena “rub” moment? Or has Riddle spilled a wilder backstage tale? Hit the comments—bro. For the full scoop, check out Wrestling Inc.’s exclusive. 🥶👊