Matt Riddle Alleges Fights Among Recruits at WWE Performance Center

Former wrestler claims tension is brewing between new and experienced talent at WWE's developmental facility.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Former WWE wrestler Matt Riddle has alleged that there have been multiple physical altercations between recruits at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Riddle, who spoke on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast, said he has heard from sources inside the facility that there is growing tension between athletes from non-wrestling backgrounds and more experienced independent wrestlers training at the center.

Why it matters

WWE has long blended former college and professional athletes with seasoned independent wrestlers in its developmental system, but Riddle's claims suggest this approach may be leading to more internal conflict than the company has publicly acknowledged. If true, the alleged fights could be disruptive to the training and development of future WWE superstars.

The details

According to Riddle, the tension has 'escalated beyond simple locker room debates' and resulted in 'a lot of fights' at the Performance Center. He suggested the friction is particularly pronounced between recruits from non-wrestling backgrounds who 'don't fully understand the business' and more experienced independent wrestlers.

  • Riddle made the comments on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast on February 21, 2026.
  • The alleged incidents occurred following WWE's latest round of tryouts in Orlando.

The players

Matt Riddle

A former WWE wrestler who is now making allegations about fights between recruits at the WWE Performance Center.

WWE Performance Center

WWE's developmental facility in Orlando, Florida where future WWE superstars are trained.

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What they’re saying

“But from what I've heard, there have been a lot of fights at the Performance Center. I know a lot of people there, and apparently there's been more tension between these athletes because they don't fully understand the business.”

— Matt Riddle (Rewind Recap Relive podcast)

What’s next

WWE has not yet addressed Riddle's claims publicly, but the company may need to investigate the alleged incidents and take steps to address any internal conflicts at the Performance Center.

The takeaway

Riddle's allegations, if true, suggest WWE's developmental system may be facing more challenges than previously known as the company continues to blend diverse athletic backgrounds in its search for the next generation of superstars.