NXT Talent Walks Out, Vince McMahon’s Heat With Matt Riddle

NXT Talent Walks Out

The NXT roster is now a bit smaller. Apparently, Taynara Conti left the company in the middle of January. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter added that she had a dispute with management over money.

On social media, Conti still has NXT superstar listed. But, the black belt in judo and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu removed any references to WWE. She remains under contract with WWE, but it seems that both sides are not talking. No word if WWE will let Conti out of her contract to pursue work for other promotions.

Conti joined WWE in 2016. The 24 year old would debut at a live event and even got some time on TV. She took part in both Mae Young Classic tournaments, but did not get far. She lost in 2017 to Lacey Evans in the opening round and then Lacey Lane the following year in the second round. Her biggest moment was competing in the Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34.

Since NXT moved to the USA Network, Conti has mostly been used to get other talent over. She was set to compete in the Women’s Battle Royal main event, but did not appear. That aired on the January 15 NXT episode and was won by Bianca Belair.

Vince McMahon’s Heat With Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is over with the fans, but not so much with management and some of his peers. Despite his past, WWE took a chance when they brought Riddle in.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted Vince McMahon is not happy with Riddle. In particular, McMahon is not a fan of Riddle taking shots at talent on social media. This has caused WWE to change their rules with NXT talent.

Riddle has poked fun at Goldberg, especially his match last year against Undertaker. Plus, he continues to challenge Brock Lesnar. At the Royal Rumble, Lesnar exchanged words with Riddle. All of this played into Vince’s anger towards the NXT star.

“Regarding social media, the issues with Vince McMahon and Matt Riddle are due to his social media posts and challenges. Brock Lesnar doesn’t like him for it and Lesnar has tremendous pull with Vince. Vince also sees him as an outside guy and feels Riddle has no respect for the hierarchy of the business by challenging Goldberg and Lesnar.”

Despite the heat, Riddle is still getting booked in NXT. He just won the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Tam Classic with Pete Dunne. Now, they will challenge the Undisputed Era at NXT Portland for the tag titles.