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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Narin Flanders

WWE Clash at the Castle: Matt Riddle on blurring lines with Rollins rivalry, how life is different under Triple H and more

Former MMA star Matt Riddle takes on Seth Rollins at WWE's Clash at the Castle today after the rivalry between the pair hit new peaks with Rollins calling out Riddle's home life in a blunt backstage promo on this week's Raw.

The pair are set to meet in the ring today in the culmination of what seems to have become an extremely personal feud.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror ahead of the bout Riddle said: "I don't want to get too much into the specifics. But everybody's talking about it in that they don't know if it's real or not, whether we like each other or not.

"That's what I've done ever since I started wrestling, that was my goal. I like blurring those lines. Whether it's Goldberg or Roman or anybody I'm working with, I'm going to stir the pot so people are like, 'wait, is that real? Did they not like each other?' That sells tickets and as far as I'm concerned that's why I'm valuable."

READ MORE: 'WWE Clash at the Castle is just phase one' - Drew McIntyre on more UK stadium pay per views

Riddle also has some grudging respect for his opponent. "I think he's athletic. I think he's durable. I think he's very good at what he does. I don't think he's on my level when it comes to fighting. But he's a very good competitor and I think we'll have a great match."

The UK pay per view comes at an interesting time for WWE, with widespread changes at the company over the last few months.

Former chairman Vince McMahon announced his retirement after 40 years, leaving his daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan to take up new roles as co-CEOs, while Paul 'Triple H' Levesque has returned from illness to take not one but two new roles, as Executive Vice President for Talent Relations and Head of Creative. Speaking to The Mirror yesterday wrestler Sheamus explained one major change that has already happened behind the scenes, while Riddle's response to how things are different gives an intriguing insight into life under the previous administration.

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He told us: "Everything's easy now. What's planned happens. If you have a good idea it gets used. If it's logical and makes sense it gets used. It's a lot less stressful.

"Triple H has his ear to the ground. He knows what the people want. He knows what he wants. He knows what we all want as athletes and competitors here, and I think he's on the right path. I think we're doing good. There have been some changes, but you know, good changes."

BT Sport is showing Clash at the Castle live and on demand for its subscribers at no extra cost, with coverage starting on BT Sport 2 from early on Saturday night. If you're an existing BT Sport customer just turn to the channel (431 for BT TV customers, 414 for Sky customers and 528 for Virgin Media customers) from 6pm to watch events unfold.

Non subscribers can watch by signing up for a BT Sport no contract monthly pass here.

The event is also live on the WWE Network.

For all the latest news and reaction sign up to Piledriver, our regular wrestling newsletter.

READ MORE: Liv Morgan turns to MMA training for her title defence against Shayna Baszler

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