Matt Riddles name always seems to come with controversy attached, whether its backstage behavior or viral headlines. But Rob Van Dam isnt jumping on the hate train instead, hes defending his longtime friend as someone people just dont fully understand.
While speaking with Bill Apter, the WWE Hall of Famer opened up about his relationship with Riddle and why he still stands by him. According to RVD, theres more to Riddle than people online give him credit for.
RVD admitted he sees why people often lump them together. The stoner image, chill attitude, and even the barefoot wrestling style connect the two even though most fans forget RVD used to wrestle without boots, too.
But its Riddles loud personality and tendency to stir things up that gets him into trouble, RVD says. And while its easy for fans to pile on, he believes the hate is often overblown.
Referencing past incidents like the backlash Riddle received for no-showing a UK charity event, RVD called out internet fans for reacting before knowing the facts.
Despite the constant scrutiny, RVD says Riddle isnt fazed by the backlash. In fact, he sees right through the fake outrage and moves on.
RVDs loyalty to Riddle is clear he sees a friend trying to navigate fame in a world where one wrong word can trend in minutes. Whether Riddle can stay out of trouble going forward is anyones guess, but according to RVD, the hate isnt always earned.
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