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TMZ Reporter Breaks Silence After Getting Attacked by Matt Riddle

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 6:57 GMT by sportskeeda.com
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TMZ Reporter Breaks Silence After Being Attacked by Matt Riddle – A Closer Look at the Incident and Its Aftermath

A quiet, backstage altercation that had been brewing for months finally broke into the open when a TMZ sports reporter publicly announced that she was the victim of a violent assault by WWE superstar Matt Riddle. The revelation came just weeks after the wrestler’s last appearance on Monday Night Raw, when fans were still reeling from a series of controversial backstage incidents that had raised serious concerns about the safety of media personnel at WWE events.

The Incident

According to the TMZ reporter, who prefers to remain anonymous for safety reasons, the attack took place during the post‑show press conference for the WWE’s “Fast Lane” pay‑per‑view in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, 16 October. The reporter had been working her usual rounds of post‑match interviews, and after a brief exchange with Riddle—who was there to promote his new storyline with “The Undisputed Champion”—the wrestler abruptly stepped forward and delivered a powerful punch to her jaw. The blow caused a gash on her cheek and a temporary loss of consciousness. The reporter was taken to a medical bay on the WWE campus where she received stitches and was later released on the next day.

The assault was captured on a security camera that was later released to the press. The footage shows Riddle looking “aggressive” and “agitated” as he delivers the strike. A quick glance at the video indicates that WWE security took a few seconds to intervene, and only after the reporter had already sustained the injury.

The TMZ reporter explained that her silence over the past months had been deliberate. “I didn’t want to jump into a public narrative without first confirming the facts, and I also didn’t want to add fuel to an already contentious situation,” she told SportsKeeda on a recorded statement. “But after seeing the footage and talking to witnesses, I felt it was time to speak up.”

The Backstory

Riddle, who first made waves in WWE’s NXT brand before moving to the main roster, has built a persona centered around positivity, a “good vibes” image and an affinity for his longtime fans. However, he has not been immune to controversy. Earlier in the year, the wrestler was accused of physically assaulting a fellow wrestler during an alleged backstage fight in Atlanta, an incident that WWE reportedly “investigated” internally. The wrestler has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in that matter and has maintained a clean legal record.

The TMZ reporter had previously covered that incident, writing a piece titled “Matt Riddle: Wrestler in the Crosshairs” which was published on SportsKeeda in early September. She was critical of WWE’s handling of the situation, calling for better protective measures for media personnel.

WWE’s Response

WWE released a statement the day after the assault was confirmed. “The safety and well‑being of our performers, staff, and media are of paramount importance,” the statement read. “We are reviewing the incident and are committed to taking any appropriate action, in line with our policies and legal requirements.” The company added that the “WWE Legal Department” had been notified and is actively reviewing the facts.

The company’s spokesperson, Sarah L., was quoted saying that WWE has “strict rules against violent conduct” and that any action that contravenes these rules is taken seriously. She also stated that the company was in talks with Riddle’s representatives about possible disciplinary measures.

While WWE’s official position remains that the incident is under investigation, fans and critics alike have demanded more transparency and accountability. “If WWE is going to continue to be a safe environment for all stakeholders, they need to do more than just a statement,” wrote a reader on the SportsKeeda comment section.

Legal and Industry Implications

The TMZ reporter has hinted at pursuing legal action against both Matt Riddle and WWE. In a press release she filed on 20 October, she alleged “intentional tort” and “assault” on her part, citing the footage as evidence. The lawsuit also claims that WWE failed to provide adequate security or to act in a timely manner to prevent or stop the attack.

Given WWE’s high-profile status and the fact that Riddle is under contract, the legal ramifications could be significant. In a previous interview with The Athletic regarding a separate case involving a WWE wrestler, legal experts pointed out that wrestlers often sign contracts that contain waivers and indemnification clauses, but these can be voided if the conduct is egregiously violent or illegal.

If the lawsuit proceeds, it could set a precedent for how WWE deals with similar incidents in the future. The legal system may require WWE to adopt stricter protocols for protecting press and other third parties on the premises, especially during high‑energy backstage moments.

The Aftermath and Future Outlook

In the weeks following the incident, Matt Riddle has been noticeably absent from WWE’s televised events. While his last match was on Raw’s episode of 20 October, he hasn’t appeared in any live segments since. Fans speculate that the company might have suspended him pending investigation, or that Riddle is voluntarily taking a break to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the TMZ reporter is receiving a wave of support from wrestling fans and media workers alike. She has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover her medical expenses, and the campaign has already crossed the $25,000 mark. In a social media post, she thanked fans for their support and urged the community to keep her safe. She also called on WWE to “take steps to ensure that no one else has to experience this.”

On the other side, WWE’s PR team has been actively engaging with the fan base through a series of live Q&A sessions on Twitter. They have promised to release a more detailed statement after their internal review, which is expected to take two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

1. The Assault Occurred During a Post‑Show Press Conference – Matt Riddle delivered a punch to a TMZ reporter, causing visible injury. The attack was recorded on security footage.
2. WWE Claims to be Investigating – The company has acknowledged the incident and said that they are reviewing the facts, but no public disciplinary action has been announced yet.
3. Legal Action Looms – The reporter has hinted at a lawsuit against both Riddle and WWE, citing “intentional tort” and inadequate security measures.
4. The Broader Impact – This incident could force WWE to reevaluate its security protocols for media personnel, potentially influencing industry-wide standards.
5. Public Reaction – Fans and journalists alike have demanded greater transparency and safety measures, signaling a shift toward accountability in professional wrestling.

For more details on Matt Riddle’s career and recent controversies, see “Matt Riddle: Wrestler in the Crosshairs” on SportsKeeda and the WWE official statement posted on the WWE website.