Tag: Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle Explodes on Social Media After No-Show Allegations, Insults Fans Over 2020 “Speaking Out” movement Accusations

Matt Riddle’s name has been making plenty of headlines yesterday, and not for the best of reasons. The former WWE star and current MLW World Heavyweight Champion was called out over the weekend for reportedly no-showing a charity wrestling event in the UK. On top of that, the organizers claimed he refused to return the deposit he had already been paid.

Riddle initially addressed the situation with a video on X, attempting to give his side of the story. But instead of cooling things down, the “Original Bro” poured gasoline on the fire with a second video that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

In the profanity-laced clip, Riddle unloaded on critics and fans who have questioned him in recent years. Much of his anger was directed toward those who believed the accusations made against him during the 2020 “Speaking Out” movement. Riddle was accused at the time by independent wrestler Candy Cartwright, who later filed a lawsuit against him, WWE, EVOLVE, and Gabe Sapolsky. WWE, EVOLVE, and Sapolsky were dismissed from the case in 2021, and Cartwright voluntarily dropped the suit entirely soon after.

In his rant, Riddle dismissed those allegations as “bulls***” and took aim at fans who supported them. He bragged about continuing to get booked, teased a possible return to fighting, and even promoted his OnlyFans account, making sure to emphasize he wasn’t worried about backlash. His message was blunt: those who don’t like him should unfollow him, because he doesn’t care.

While Riddle insisted “the cream rises to the top,” this latest outburst has left many wondering if he’s doing more harm than good to his own career. MLW has not yet commented on the controversy, but it remains to be seen if Riddle’s unfiltered social media presence will impact his standing with the promotion—or future opportunities elsewhere.

Matt Riddle Makes Surprise TNA Debut at Turning Point

In a surprising turn of events, TNA fans were treated to an unexpected debut last night at Turning Point. Scheduled to compete in a six-man tag team match alongside Zachary Wentz and KUSHIDA, former X-Division Champion Trey Miguel was pulled from the card due to travel issues. However, as the old saying goes, “the show must go on.” Stepping in to fill the void was none other than the “King of Bros” himself, Matt Riddle.

This marked Riddle’s first appearance in TNA, and he made an immediate impact teaming up with Wentz and KUSHIDA to take on the formidable trio of TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) and Ace Austin. While Riddle and his team worked well together, they ultimately fell short against the dominant champions, who secured the win.

A Star-Studded Career Continues to Expand

Riddle’s arrival in TNA adds another chapter to what has been an exciting career since his departure from WWE last year. Currently a major player in MLW, Riddle has been riding a wave of momentum, establishing himself as one of the company’s top stars. At Battle RIOT VI this past June, he became the number one contender for the MLW World Championship, earning the right to face reigning champion Satoshi Kojima at Kings of Colosseum on January 11. This high-stakes match will be Riddle’s second attempt to claim the prestigious title, having previously fallen short to Swerve Strickland in the 2018 Road to the World Championship finals.

Beyond MLW, Riddle’s wrestling résumé continues to impress. Earlier this year, he claimed the NJPW World Television Championship in a hard-fought battle against Hiroshi Tanahashi, holding the title for an impressive 49 days. He’s also made appearances in AAA and a host of independent promotions, showcasing his versatility and undeniable charisma.

What’s Next for Riddle in TNA?

Riddle’s TNA debut raises intriguing questions about his future with the company. Will this be a one-off appearance, or does it hint at a larger role in TNA’s plans moving forward? With his star power and impressive in-ring abilities, Riddle could become a valuable addition to the roster if he chooses to explore this new avenue.

As for now, all eyes remain on his upcoming MLW World Championship match, but fans won’t soon forget his explosive debut at Turning Point. Could this be the beginning of another wrestling chapter for the “King of Bros”? Only time will tell.

Update On Matt Riddle’s Likelihood In AEW

A year out from his WWE exit, Matt Riddle recently teased the possibility of joining All Elite Wrestling, specifically with the intention of making more money and working a decent television schedule. According to a new report, though, that idea may be a little far-fetched right now.

Fightful Select reports that AEW President Tony Khan has had zero interest in bringing Riddle aboard to the company, “especially over the last number of years.” In recent months, Riddle has worked with some talents signed to AEW — including Brian Cage, Dralistico, Komander, Penta El Zero Miedo, and The Beast Mortos — on the wrestling circuit. As Fightful points out, though, all those matches emanated from promotions based in Mexico, and not the United States.

In addition to the idea of signing with AEW, Riddle also recently discussed a backstage encounter he had with Khan following his loss to Zack Sabre Jr. at the April 2024 NJPW Windy City Riot show in Chicago. According to Riddle, the conversation between him and Khan was relatively awkward. While Khan initially seemed happy, Riddle stated that he later seemed “confused” when Riddle asked him if he liked the match with Sabre Jr. in a “different” kind of tone.

Since leaving WWE last year, Riddle has worked for several independent promotions across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. “The Original Bro” has additionally appeared for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Major League Wrestling. Riddle’s latest MLW appearance came at the Summer Of The Beasts event on August 29, which saw him defeat former MLW World Tag Team Champion Matthew Justice.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On Matt Riddle Winning AAA Cruiserweight Title At TripleMania

For those who tuned in this past Saturday night on TrillerTV, either by paying full price or accidentally catching the show for free on the pre-show stream that never ended, AAA’s TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City was an event that won’t soon be forgotten. Among the other reasons for that was the three-way match for the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship, where non-cruiserweight and former WWE star Matt Riddle defeated former champion, AEW’s Komander, and TNA’s Laredo Kid to win the gold.

As for why Riddle walked way Cruiserweight Champion, one person has a theory on that. On Sunday’s “Daily Update,” Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer discussed Riddle’s victory at TripleMania, and indicated that Riddle was crowned Cruiserweight Champion due to AAA looking to get the belt off Komander, because to his AEW commitments. Meltzer also noted the oddness of Riddle, a heavyweight, winning a title out of his division.

The reasoning given for Riddle winning the title does seem to contradict some of what happened on screen, however, including the fact that Laredo Kid was in the match with Komander and Riddle, and could’ve won the title instead of Riddle. Perhaps most glaring though is that TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City ended with an AEW talent walking away with AAA gold, as Satnam Singh won the AAA World Tag Team Championships with partner Raj Dhesi.

Singh’s win would suggest that, despite past issues, AAA has no problem putting titles on AEW talent for the time being, and instead calls into question Komander’s future with AAA going forward. As for Riddle, he is expected to enter a program with El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., who defeated Riddle in AAA this past June. Riddle challenged Hijo del Wagner after his win Saturday, requesting the match have “no rules.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On Jacob Fatu And Matt Riddle’s Deals With NJPW

Matt Riddle and Jacob Fatu — who collided this past weekend at Major League Wrestling’s Kings of Colosseum event — are set to make their debuts for New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Battle in the Valley on Saturday night. While discussing the upcoming NJPW STRONG pay-per-view on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” veteran wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer spoke about Riddle and Fatu’s deals with the Japanese promotion.

“Jacob Fatu was a deal made through MLW because he’s under contract to MLW,” Meltzer said. “MLW will be bringing in more New Japan guys, so it’s part of that deal right there. And Matt Riddle is gonna be working for both.”

Riddle, who was released by WWE last September, will team up with a mystery tag team partner against The Mighty Don’t Kneel’s Zack Sabre Jr. and Bad Dude Tito at Battle in the Valley. Riddle was first seen in NJPW the night after Wrestle Kingdom 18 at New Year Dash!!, appearing in a pre-recorded video challenging the new NJPW World Television Champion and NJPW president Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match. Riddle is set to tour with NJPW next month. Meanwhile, the team of Fatu, Fred Rosser, and Shota Umino will take on Team Filthy’s Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs, and Jorel Nelson in a six-man tag team match at Battle in the Valley. The main event of that pay-per-view will see Kazuchika Okada take on Will Ospreay.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Wrestling Observer Radio

Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Makes NJPW Debut, Challenges President & NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi

Matt Riddle debuted for NJPW in a vignette where he challenged President and NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi during Friday’s New Year Dash event. The video aired after Tanahashi’s title defense against Ryusuke Taguchi, with Riddle setting his sights on the “Ace” and promising to see him soon. Tanahashi responded with a promo in Japanese to accept the challenge, which NJPW commentator Chris Charlton translated roughly, “I will have to do some research as I have no idea who that is.” 

Matt Riddle was released by WWE in September 2023, reportedly a result of burning too many bridges throughout his time with the company. He was accused of sexual assault during the #SpeakingOut movement, spurring litigation directly involving WWE as a defendant. He was also known for having real-life issues with top talent, and violating the company wellness policy multiple times.

While there was no explicit reasoning for his WWE release, Riddle was also involved in an incident last year at JFK Airport in New York which led to a police investigation. He is still not short of work outside WWE, however, with MLW looking to be his home promotion in the U.S. going forward. He will wrestle his return match for MLW on January 6 against Jacob Fatu. Riddle is also booked to face Rob Van Dam in March. Riddle is not the first of WWE’s 2023 releases to make their way to NJPW at the beginning of 2024. Nic Nemeth (formerly Dolph Ziggler) sat ringside for Wrestle Kingdom 18 on Thursday alongside his brother Ryan Nemeth, where he would be later involved in an angle with new IWGP Global Champion David Finlay.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Matt Riddle Fights Jacob Fatu At Kings Of Colosseum

MLW today announced Matt Riddle has joined MLW and will debut in a dream match against Jacob Fatu at MLW Kings of Colosseum live and exclusively on TrillerTV+ Saturday, January 6 at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

See Riddle and Fatu throwdown live and exclusively on TrillerTV+! Sign up for your TrillerTV+ subscription now and enjoy a FREE 7-day trial!

MLW now has a double main event for Kings of Colosseum!

Matt Riddle, the chill grappler known for fighting barefoot and winning big has returned to Major League Wrestling… and he has set his sights on “the most dangerous man on planet earth”: Jacob Fatu.

In 2018, Riddle danced with destiny, dominating the MLW World Heavyweight Title tournament, exiting in the finals in a championship bout that could’ve gone either way. 

Having won titles around the world, Riddle now returns to MLW to finally win the big one: the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. In order to do so, he has to go through the baddest beast in the land in the “Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu. 

Colliding for the first time ever, this dream match promises to be an instant classic.

Fatu has dominated Major League Wrestling, winning the MLW World Heavyweight Championship as well as the MLW National Openweight Title. 

Fatu has not been shy as of recent about his 2024 intentions: becoming the first-ever MLW World Heavyweight Champion. 

Now Riddle and Fatu fight for their futures in MLW. Who will triumph?

Lock in your tickets now at http://MLW2300.com and see it go down Saturday, January 6 in Philadelphia.

The Non-Compete Clauses Are Reportedly Almost Over For Several Released Former WWE Stars

One of the more unfortunate aspects of the WWE-UFC merger earlier this year was that it led to several within WWE, both in and out of the ring, losing their jobs this past September. And while the releases will surely still sting, with the end of December quickly approaching, many of the in-ring talents will finally have a chance to get back in the ring for another promotion.

PWInsider Elite reports that the bulk of talents let go by WWE in September are set to have their noncompete clauses expire next Thursday, December 21. Among the talents that would now be available to work for any promotion they choose are Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Dana Brooke, Aliyah, Rick Boogs, Mace, Mansor, Riddick Moss, Top Dolla, Elias, Dabbo-Kato, Quincy Elliot, Yulisa Leon, Shanky, and Matt Riddle.

Many of the released WWE names have already been announcing future bookings, though so far all are for events one month after their noncompetes end. The includes Ziggler, who announced over the weekend that his first match outside of WWE would take place on January 20 in Puerto Rico, where he’ll work for the World Wrestling Council. Mace and Mansoor are set to compete at Effy’s Big Gay Brunch the same day, though they have already made one non-wrestling appearance for Deadlock Pro Wrestling this past weekend. Matt Riddle has also lined up future bookings for that month, with the controversial wrestler going down to Mexico to work for The Crash Lucha Libre on January 19.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Multiple MMA, Wrestling Companies Expressing Interest In Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is a hot commodity following his WWE release.

As noted, “The Original BRO” was among the 25 WWE and NXT Superstars released by the company following the merger with UFC under the new TKO banner.

Dave Meltzer noted in the latest issue of his Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the former WWE Superstar has received interest from multiple MMA and pro wrestling promotions following his release from the company.

According to the report, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (BKFC) and PFL have expressed interest in acquiring the services of Riddle, as have many pro wrestling promotions.

AEW was not specifically mentioned, however Meltzer did note that Tony Khan could very well be interested in bringing him into the company.

Source: Rajah.com

Matt Riddle Accuses A Police Officer Of Sexually assaulting Him At The Airport On Saturday

WWE has taken the decision to remove Matt Riddle from his scheduled appearances following allegations of sexual harassment made against a police officer at JFK airport in New York City on Sunday.

The accusations were initially made on Instagram, but the post has since been deleted.

According to law enforcement sources, Port Authority officers were alerted to a disorderly person who was disembarking from a plane, later identified as Riddle. Witnesses report that Riddle appeared apologetic during his interaction with the police, and no police report was filed.

Per the report, law enforcement sources told TMZ how Riddle got into contact with the officers. The report states, “Port Authority officers got a call for a disorderly person,” which happened to be Riddle, whom they met in the terminal after he had left the plane. They spoke with Riddle and other witnesses. There was no police report filed and Riddle was able to go without any trouble. Riddle was even said to be “apologetic” for the disorderly situation.

The sources also reportedly told TMZ that “the Port Authority was shocked” by Riddle’s now-deleted claim on Instagram, but the department will still be “taking his claim seriously.” They have started an internal probe.

Matt Riddle was not in attendance at this week’s RAW TV tapings. Additionally, he’s been pulled from all of WWE’s upcoming live events this weekend.

According to a report from Pwinsider, the word making the rounds backstage at RAW is that Riddle was pulled from the shows due to a “medical illness.”

Sources: eWn and Wrestling Inc.