Posts Tagged ‘Matt Riddle’

Daily Drop (4/13): WWE Introduces New Bloodline, Jon Moxley Wins NJPW Gold

Welcome to the Daily Drop for Saturday, April 13, 2024. There is a lot going on in the pro wrestling world, so let’s not waste any time.

You never know what can happen in the pro wrestling world, and fans woke up to Jon Moxley as the new IWPG World Heavyweight Champion as he beat Tetsuya Naito at NJPW Windy City Riot.

WWE fans are also talking about how the Bloodline changed last night on SmackDown. Tama Tonga finally made his WWE debut, and it was to take out Jimmy Uso and seemingly replace him in the faction.

Now, let’s get into today’s Daily Drop:

WWE:

Vince Selling Out: McMahon’s remaining TKO shares are now registered for sale. It looks like The Chairman is finally getting out of the pro wrestling business.

Matt Riddle Walkout: Ex WWE Superstar Matt Riddle didn’t make the best impression at the NJPW Windy City Riot show. After he lost his match to Zach Sabre Jr, he rolled out of the ring, no-sold the defeat, danced around a bit and walked off. That was not a great look for the Original Bro.

Strange Days Ahead: WWE is still teasing something ominous with weird messages during SmackDown.

Foxxy is Back: Alicia Fox, as Vix Crow, wrestled her first match in years last night. She impressed a lot of people by not skipping a beat.

Stone Cold Talks: to make a WrestleMania appearance, but they couldn’t agree on money. So, The Undertaker replaced him in the main event match.

AEW:

Scapegoat Update: Jack Perry referenced AEW airing the CM Punk footage during the NJPW Windy City Riot show.

No Swearing: Toni Storm said that Thunder Rosa’s name is considered like a profanity around her household.

Sting After Retirement: What will Sting do now? We have an update in one of your latest articles.

AEW Collision Card (4/13):

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. AZM
  • Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Don Callis Family (Powerhouse Hobbs & Kyle Fletcher)
  • Lee Moriarty vs. Katsuyori Shibata
  • House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. Dante Martin, Action Andretti & Matt Sydal

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Pay-Per-View Events:

  • AEW is coming to St. Louis, MO with AEW: Dynasty LIVE on PPV on Sunday, April 21st at Chaifetz Arena
  • Backlash France is scheduled for May 4th at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France.
  • WWE NXT Battleground is booked for May 26th at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, exclusively available on the WWE Network and Peacock.
  • WWE Money in the Bank will be held on July 6th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, followed by WWE NXT Heatwave on July 7th at the same venue.
  • WWE Bash In Berlin is marked for August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Watch: Matt Riddle Walks Out After Losing NJPW World TV Championship

Matt Riddle was in no mood to stick around after losing the NJPW World Television Championship at NJPW Windy City Riot 2024. 

Riddle lost the gold to Zack Sabre Jr. at the April 12, event from Chicago, IL. After the pinfall loss, Riddle immediately got out of the ring and walked to the back, laughing and dancing without any regard for the outcome. This is hardly a good look for Riddle as it seems that the title meant nothing to him

This win makes Sabre the first-ever two-time NJPW World TV Champion. He was the inaugural champion and won the title at Wrestle Kingdom in January 2017 and held the title for exactly one year. 

NJPW Windy City Riot Highlights

Riddle’s behavior wasn’t the only notable part of New Japan’s Windy City Riot event. The show also saw Jon Moxley become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion with a main event win over Tetsuya Naito. The win makes Moxley the first man in history to have held the WWE, AEW, and New Japan World Championships. 

Jack Perry also competed at NJPW Windy City Riot in a loss to Shota Umino. For his entrance, Perry wore a jacket emblazoned with the message ‘CRY ME A RIVER.’ This was an obvious nod to Perry’s backstage altercation with CM Punk at AEW All In: London which resulted in both being suspended and Punk later being fired. 

AEW broadcasted the backstage footage during a segment on AEW Dynamite but removed the footage when uploading the segment in question to YouTube

MLW War Chamber Results: Team MLW vs. Team WTF, Matt Riddle Defends NJPW World TV Title

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com

Watch the replay of MLW War Chamber HERE.

Major League Wrestling is in St. Petersburg, FL and there’s not one, but two rings hoping to contain all the entrants in tonight’s War Chamber as Team MLW will take on the World Titan Federation. The St. Pete Coliseum is packed and they’re ready for action. We’re sure going to get that with a World Featherweight Title fight!

MATCH 1
World Featherweight Championship
Unagi Sayaka vs. Janai Kai (c) (presented by Salina de la Renta)

Janai Kai has had a trend of knocking out her opponents in the first several seconds, but not this tie. Sayaka is just about as even as a fighter you can get to combat the ‘Kick Demon’ and there were some still boots by both women! However, that all changed when Janai caught Sayaka in the corner with a bad roundhouse, stacked her up and got the 1-2-3!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Featherweight Champion: Janai Kai

MATCH 2
AJ Francis vs. Alex Kane

Francis comes out with MSL who joins commentary but AJ also has words in the ring, running down both Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas and disrespecting the BOMAYE Fight Club. Francis keeps running his mouth which finally prompts Kane to cut the BS.

Alex Kane wastes zero time at exacting revenge on Francis, sending the big man to the outside before diving on him! Kane quickly follows up with his patented body splash on the apron! Kane soon splashes Francis into the ring post, but AJ forces him off into the BOMAYE Fight Club who sends their leader back into action. However, Francis pops him up for a massive apron powerbomb!

Francis continues to exude his strength in the ring, and Kane is game to match that, launching Francis up for a big vertical suplex! He then hits a belly-to-back! MSL gets concerned and leaves the booth. When Francis is caught on the ropes, MSL grabs hold of his client and it allows AJ the opportunity to regain momentum and chokeslam Kane! He covers and the ref makes an extremely fast three count!

WINNER: AJ Francis

Post-fight, the BOMAYE Fight Club sans Mr. Thomas is standing in the ring to confront Francis, but instead of attacking they align! Fists are raised and Francis has been backed by BOMAYE! Kane and Thomas are not pleased but definitely have retribution on their minds!

We see AKIRA entering the Coliseum and the first person he sees is Sami Callihan. However, he’s ambushed from behind by RSP and The Calling. This was clearly an orchestrated attack as RSP wraps barbed wire around AKIRA’s face to put him in a crossface! They want to make sure he doesn’t make it to his War Chamber match!

The next match is supposed to involve Devin Diaz, but former bounty hunter Brian Brock attacks him from behind and grabs the mic. He issues an open challenge, but he may have got more than he bargained for in Mads Krule Krugger!

MATCH 3
Bryan Brock vs. Mads Krule Krugger

Krugger doesn’t take long to send Brock to the outside and the brawl begins. Members of the Sentai Death Squad help Krugger in his cause both The Black Hand rules with an iron fist. Kendo sticks, and doors are introduced. Kruger comes charging as Brock but Brock moves and Krugger goes through the door. Brock hits his signature lariat and has to fight off more soldiers. He cracks Krugger with both halves of the door, but it doesn’t phase Mads!

He catches Brock with a chokeslam then his full nelson faceplant for the 1-2-3!

WINNER: Mads Krule Krugger

Post-fight, it appears that CONTRA aims to zip up Brock in a body bag, but for some reason, Kruger decides against it and instead carries Brock out of the St. Pete Coliseum!

MATCH 4
Richard Adonis vs. Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta)

Adonis is making his Major League debut but this one might be a match he puts in the archives. Bad Dude Tito makes quick work of him, nailing Adonis with a Steiner Screwdriver and getting the pinfall.

WINNER: Bad Dude Tito

Tito gets on the mic and makes his reasons known why his signed with MLW: gold. He doesn’t care if it’s Kojima or Rickey Shane Page, he wants to secure a title. Ringside, you can tell Salina de la Renta couldn’t be happier.

MATCH 5
NJPW World TV Championship:
Kosei Fujita vs. Matt Riddle (c)

Both these fighters are ready to go and you can tell that by their similar gameplans. Mat work starts it all off for these two and several impressive “stalemates” occur. Fujita hits a beautiful hurricanrana that sends Riddle to the outside, but these two want to settle it in the ring.

Fujita eventually catches Riddle in a front face scissors hold that is looking to do Riddle in, but Riddle fights. He tries to break it in the corner but can’t and finds himself back in the center of the ring. Amazingly, Riddle suplexes himself out of it with a fisherman’s buster. He almost gets a pinfall out of it but doesn’t! He calls an audible and picks Fujita back up for a gutbuster GTS and turns it into a German suplex!

Speaking of German suplexes, Fujita nails Riddle with an avalanche German and nearly gets a pinfall but Riddle just grabs hold of the ropes at the witching hour!

Riddle ends up getting the hard-earned W after hitting a Gotch-style piledriver! Still the champ!

WINNER and STILL NJPW World Television Champion: Matt Riddle

Post-fight Joe Dombrowski catches up with Riddle who makes note that it’s been 6 yeaers since he last challenged for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and he now wants to change that!

As the War Chamber gets set up we get a special look of Mistico successfully defending his MLW World Middleweight gold in CMLL!

We also get words from Cesar Duran as he makes his massive offer to Salina de la Renta. At Azteca Lucha on May 11 in Chicago, she brings her luchadores and he’ll bring his. Whoever gets the most wins, gets the coveted “key” that Duran now holds in his hands. Will she accept?

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT
War Chamber Match
Team MLW vs. Team WTF

The first entrant in the match is Josh Bishop with a decked out MSL in war fatigues. This means that WTF will start off with a man-advantage, but Team MLW picked the right man for the job in Matthew Justice as their first entrant. He’s not alone as Bill Alfonso accompanies him to the ring!

The fight begins and you better believe it doesn’t take long for weapons to get introduced. Bishop and Justice exchange chair shots and kendo stick swings as they try to survive one another’s attack for the first five minutes.

The next man out is Tom Lawlor and Justice takes it to him right away! He knows the deck is stacked against him, but he doesn’t let that slow him down as he fends both fighters off until 1 Called Manders enters the fold. The SGC utlize their tag expertise to maximize their minutes before Davey Boy Smith Jr. is the next fighter to roll out. SGC fight on, but a war helmet gets introduced and the World Tag Team Champions in DBS and Lawlor use it to their advantage.

Next out is Okumura who
is a literal one-man wrecking crew as he takes everybody out before wrapping Tom Lawlor in a figure four!

The fight spreads across the two rings before the final entrant for WTF is in: Richard Holliday. Holliday targets Okumura before we get the Bread Winner himself, MLW World Heavyweight Champion Satoshi Kojima!

The match officially begins and it’s absolute chaos as Matthew Justice makes a major momentum change when he leaps off the top of the cage onto everybody!

Doors are busted, bodies are broken and Team MLW looks to make it all in their favor when Manders and Justice put Holliday onto two tables. Lawlor saves him, delivering chair shots in the corner to Justice who is aiming to climb the cage. However, Manders puts Lawlor in an electric chair and Justice comes leaping off with a tornado DDT, sending Lawlor through the table! MSL sees the writing on the wall and hands Holliday a white powder. Holliday tries to utilize it but gets caught by a Lariato! He gets the 1-2-3 and Team MLW wins!

WINNERS: Team MLW

The celebration is set to begin but who interrupts: CONTRA Unit. Soldiers by the dozens come out and fill the ring as Mads Krugger leads the attack. There’s a familiar face in that mix: IKURO KWON! The death pit fighter returns and mists Matthew Justice in the face! It’s an absolute takeover by CONTRA as they drape the flag over the cage, indicating that a takeover is possibly on the horizon!

Matt Riddle Says Many Personal Variables Played Into His WWE Release

WWE released Matt Riddle in September 2023, and he had a lot going on in his life at the time. Now, as Riddle has transitioned to a life outside WWE, he can look back with a lot of introspection. 

Matt Riddle is able to look back at his WWE exit, and he had a lot going on, from divorce to losing his best friend on the road. At this point, he just wants to get control of things, and he’s ready to do that.

Riddle Wants Control of His Life

Matt Riddle has already stated that he has no hard feelings over his WWE release. He has already returned to MLW, and he’s working for NJPW as well. Only time will tell if he ever goes to AEW, but the King of Bros seems to have a concentrated direction.

While speaking to TV Insider, Riddle stated that he is at a point in his life where he wants to get control of things. 

I think I’m at a stage of my life where I want to get control of it. I want to be in control of it. That’s why when WWE let me go it was the best move for everyone at the time. WWE merged with UFC under TKO, not that it played a huge part but was probably the cherry on top. I do think at the end of the day the schedule was getting to me. I didn’t want to believe that. Having another kid is extremely stressful. I just bought a house. I’ve been taking care of a lot of things. When I was working for WWE, I never had a vacation. I never had one vacation day. The only time I took off was those two or three months when they sent me away to clean up. That was also on me. 

Riddle went on to say that he was, “dealing with a divorce and other things while working as much as I did. Not being able to see my three kids that I have with my ex-wife. There were a lot of variables that played a part.” 

RKBro Split Played A Part

Matt Riddle also spoke about Randy Orton, and how close they were. The Apex Predator went out of action for a 10-month hiatus due to needing back fusion surgery. This was also something that affected Riddle, because he lost a lot more than just a tag team partner.

“On top of that, Randy [Orton] was my best friend when we wrestled together and traveled together. He was helping me get through a lot of these things. We talked about him going through a divorce and things like that. When he got hurt, I felt on my own. I still had people in the locker room, but not with the same amount of life experience as Randy. He really opened up to me on a lot of things. Things happen for a reason. I think I had a great run with WWE. I got to team with Randy. RK-Bro was pretty sick. I got a great match with Roman [Reigns], been in Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and Survivor Series. You name it.”

Riddle’s Drug Use & WWE Release

Matt Riddle already confirmed that it was cocaine that led to his failed drug tests. WWE doesn’t even fine Superstars for testing positive for THC anymore, so popping for weed is not an infraction of the WWE Wellness Policy anymore. 

Riddle’s release from WWE came after over two dozen infractions, some smaller than others, but he kept ruffling feathers. WWE higher ups could no longer make excuses for the Original Bro, or protect him. 

The last straw was his inebriated escapade at JFK airport. He was heading home from WWE’s India live event at the time. After weeks of absence from television after that, he was fired in September 2023. 

Riddle also stated that he is not surprised by the allegations against Vince McMahon in Janel Grant’s lawsuit. Other Superstars have returned in the past, so we will have to see if Riddle gets another chance with WWE after so much has changed.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, so please keep checking back throughout the day for more headlines.

MLW Once Upon A Time In New York Results: Matt Riddle vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr., Kojima In Action

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com

It’s a big weekend as MLW presents Once Upon A Time In New York! Who is the first person to welcome the Melrose Ballroom but Cesar Duran! He promises some intense lucha action and makes the challenge to Salina de la Renta to bring her best luchadores to Azteca Lucha on May 11 in Chicago to challenge his roster. He also promises a female luchadora to challenge Janai Kai but who comes in but Zayda Steel and Brett Ryan Gosselin. They take exception to Duran thinking he’s going to step in front of the line for a Featherweight title shot and Zayda eventually asks him why lucha libre promoters are so shady. Up pops Salina de la Renta on the screen. She disparages the intellect of BRG & Zayda (combined) and she accepts Duran’s challenge for Chicago as Rocky Romero unleashes shots on an Azteca henchmen.

BRG calls Rocky John Stamos and makes his way to the ring for the opening match.

MATCH 1
Scramble Match
Brett Ryan Gosselin vs. Love, Doug vs. Ichiban vs. Marcus Mathers vs. Dyln McCay vs. Cannonball

Before Cannonball can even make it to the entryway, AKIRA and Jake Crist jump him which causes an all-out brawl between The Calling & The Response. Cannonball is left laying but the match is underway.

Big highlights from the likes of Marcus Mathers & McCay as both use their tag team synergy to control a good deal of the bout. Love, Doug proves that love is a battlefield in this one, but does get caught with a beautiful tornado DDT by McCay. Cannonball does come to and dominates as expected. However, BRG proves himself to be the opportunist when he downs Doug and puts his feet on the ropes for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Brett Ryan Gosselin

MATCH 2
Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Azteca 66

What a major signing by Salina de la Renta and Promociones Dorado as Bad Dude Tito walks out to the ring and he’s sure to make short work of Azteca 66. A massive lariat followed up by a Scott Steiner-esque screwdriver gets him the easy 1-2-3.

WINNER: Bad Dude Tito

Next up, out comes Mister Saint Laurent to introduce WTF’s latest signing in AJ Francis. Francis goes down to the ring to rip apart New York City which prompts Alex Kane, Faye Jackson and Mr. Thomas to come out. Kane makes clear that BOMAYE is for the people and NYC is the people. Francis says that Kane let down their elders by losing the World Title to in Black History Month. That prompts Mr. Thomas to handle business and the fight begins.

MATCH 3
AJ Francis vs. Mr. Thomas (with Alex Kane & Faye Jackson)

What a straight up FIGHT this match starts out as and both men clearly have the power to topple one another. Mr. Thomas has a bit more speed but gets caught by Francis who pulls Thomas up for a massive powerbomb.

However, Thomas later catches Francis off-guard with a leaping hurricanrana! He then splashes Francis in the corner. MSL gets on the apron for a quick distraction and Francis picks Thomas up for the Cash Out! 1-2-3!

WINNER: AJ Francis

The feed is cut by CONTRA and Mads Krule Krugger and he promises a new army of new soldiers in the Sentai Death Squad. “A reckoning is coming.”

MATCH 4
Zayda Steel vs. Delmi Exo

Salina de la Renta is on commentary as Zayda and Delmi are well aware of the stakes in this match. There’s some good grappling in this match and the momentum teeters back and forth in the favor of both Featherweights.

Zayda has an impressive flurry and channels Steve Blackman by sweeping Delmi’s leg. Eventually, an Azteca henchman hops on the ring apron which stops Zayda from hitting the Killswitch. Exo shows her savvy and catches Zayda with a Delmi Driver for the pinfall victory.

WINNER: Delmi Exo

Post-fight, out comes Cesar Duran who offers his hand to Delmi and she accepts. Zayda begins to talk trash to Salina on stage and she gets a hard shot from Janai Kai! All out chaos ensues! Cesar wants Janai to put her title right now on the line, but Salina says that he doesn’t control the show.

MATCH 5
Davey Boy Smith Jr. (with MSL & Joshua Bishop) vs. Matt Riddle

Riddle is beginning the feel like Public Enemy #1 for the World Titan Federation and him and Davey Boy Smith Jr. are going to be a battle for ages. It sure is as submissions are applied and power strikes are unleashed. DBS channels moves from his Hart Dungeon legacy including a Crippler Crossface and Uncle Bret’s Sharpshooter!

However, Riddle’s resiliency and MMA background comes in great handy. DBS seems to have the win with a sitdown pin, but it’s Riddle who rolls him over for the 1-2-3!

WINNER: Matt Riddle

You know it’s a big night in Major League Wrestling when Court Bauer comes out for a big announcement and being from NYC, Court is ready to go, but the feed cuts and Mads Krugger has a target in sight: it’s Bauer. A legion of the Sentai Death Squad comes out and begins ambushing Bauer and the roster! So many fighters are laid out and sure enough, CONTRA had their clutches on Court. Thankfully, SGC and league officials come out to attend to Bauer and the victims from CONTRA.

MATCH 6
Magnus (with Cesar Duran) vs. Star Jr. (presented by Salina de la Renta)

This is a much different type of lucha fight as Magnus and Star Jr. do a great deal of brawling on the outside. Both men do utilize their high-flying including an amazing over-the-top senton flip over the ring post to the outside by Star Jr.!

Magnus fights on, but does get caught with a MASSIVE superplex. Star Jr. gets to the apron and does a springboard double stomp for the pinfall finish! A big win for Promociones Dorado and Salina’s bid for Mistico’s Middleweight gold!

WINNER: Star Jr.

Duran soon gets his retribution. Cesar is seen whistling and happens to walk up on a fallen Rocky Romero. He puts coins over his eyes and it seems like El Jefe has taken out Salina’s Numero Uno!

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT
Alex Kane & CozyMax vs. WTF (Tom Lawlor, Richard Holliday & Joshua Bishop)

Okumura and Holliday duke it out, but eventually reach a stand-off. Okumura tags in Alex Kane and Holliday turns in Lawlor. These two have the grapple game down. However Lawlor utilizes his kicking strength but it’s not long before Lawlor gets caught with a CRISP belly-to-belly suplex. It’s a near fall for the former World Champ.

Big double suplex by Kane and Okumura as they get another two count. Lawlor soon manages to roll Okumura over to his corner and one half of CozyMax is isolated.

Holliday and Okumura are the two to go at it for a bit and then it’s back to Lawlor and Kane. Bishop finally gets in the mix and shows his pure strength against Kane, but it was Kojima who made a blind tag to Kane’s back while in the corner. Kojima may have an injured MCL, but that doesn’t stop him from hitting a beauty of a Lariato! He covers: 1-2-3!

WINNERS: CozyMax & Alex Kane

Post-fight, the celebration is about to begin, but in comes Davey Boy Smith to tip the scales. WTF takes over the ring as they beat down their three opponents. Suddenly backstage catches word of a brawl between The Calling & The Response. It’s just all-out unruliness as it’s ultimately the World Titan Federation who stand tall!

And New: Former WWE Duo Wins First Titles After September 2023 Release

A former WWE tag team has scored their first taste of championship gold following their release from the promotion in September of last year. 

September 2023 saw the first wave of talent releases following the launch of TKO Group Holdings that same month. These releases came shortly after WWE cut over 100 employees from its corporate offices. These cuts were made as part of synchronization efforts with UFC to ensure that there was as little unnecessary staff in TKO. 

New Champions

Mace and Mansoor, collectively known as the Maximum Male Models, were among the names cut from WWE in September of last year. Now the pair have captured championship gold. At an event for Beyond Wrestling, the pair won the promotion’s tag titles. WWE NXT Superstar DIJAK was in attendance at the show to commemorate the win for the models. 

In WWE, neither Mace nor Mansoor won championship gold. Mace’s only title opportunity in WWE came at a 2020 WWE NXT live event where he unsuccessfully challenged NXT Champion Adam Cole. Mansoor would never even get an opportunity at a title in WWE, with his biggest win being the 51-Man battle royal victory at WWE Super Showdown 2019. 

Championship Releases

Notable names cut at the time included Matt Riddle and Nic Nemeth, both of whom have gone on to capture championship gold in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Nemeth is the current, and second-ever IWGP Global Champion while Riddle is currently the NJPW World Television Champion. 

Mustafa Ali has gone on to join TNA Wrestling and is the reigning TNA X-Division Champion. The Retribution leader captured the title, his first championship in a major wrestling promotion, in the main event of TNA No Surrender. 

MLW Intimidation Games Results: Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki, Matt Riddle Defends NJPW TV Title, More

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. Catch the full replay of the PLE here at TrillerTV+

The Melrose Ballroom in New York City was SOLD OUT and for good reason as Intimidation Games packed a punch with three promotions coming together under Major League Wrestling! Not one, not two, not three, but four titles were on the line in The Big Apple and the PLE starts off in a big way with World Middleweight gold!

MATCH 1

MLW World Middleweight Championship

Mistico (with Cesar Duran) vs. Rocky Romero (c) (with Salina de la Renta)

Rocky had a gameplan in place for this match, but it was saturated in disrespect as the champion attempted to get Mistico off his game by nearly tearing the challenger’s mask off his face.

The whole fight, which was full of many close calls, was teetering back and forth between both luchadors and even though Rocky tried to get Mistico off his game by literally ripping his mask, it didn’t deter the challenger from achieving his goal. He stayed true to his high-flying strategy and caught Rocky off-guard with his unbelievable headscissors to fujiwa armbar, causing the champ to immediately tap out!

WINNER and NEW MLW World Middleweight Champion: Mistico

Post-fight, Duran wanted Rocky to put his hair on the line in a hair vs. mask fight, but Rocky was not obliging.

MATCH 2

NYC Street Fight

The Calling vs. AKIRA & Jake Crist

AKIRA and Crist waste zero time in attacking Rickey Shane Page and Sami Callihan as they take The Calling out and then dive on top of them to the outside.

The battle lives up to the stipulation as weapons are certainly used with Sami resorting to paper cuts and RSP making the most of his brute strength. RSP was cagey throughout this entire fight as he used size and speed against his former tag partner in AKIRA. However, both AKIRA and Crist did have an unexpected ace up their sleeve.

It was reported that Raven was lurking in the Melrose Ballroom somewhere, but when Cannonball went to get the tables from underneath the ring, they got the Blue Meanie instead!

Boards were broken, but spirits weren’t as AKIRA almost relished in the challenge at fighting RSP and Sami. He nearly was about to get the win with The Death Penalty, but was fought off and Crist got tangled with RSP. Sami took the opportunity to low blow Crist and RSP got him in a backslide and 1-2-3!

WINNERS: The Calling

AKIRA immediately goes on the attack to RSP and chaos ensues as the numbers games gets the advantage for The Calling. However, help is on the way as Jimmy Lloyd comes running down to help ward The Calling off! Sami wanted the trio to fight more, but sure enough, Raven appears on the big screen.

Raven asks that that Sami and RSP want to steal the name The Calling? Call his new faction The Response – “quote the Raven, nevermore.”

We see Tom Lawlor, MSL and Davey Boy Smith Jr are in the men’s bathroom and they feel it’s a good time to stake their claim for the World Tag Team gold. The Bulldog is relieving himself and doesn’t wash his hands as he makes clear it’s either “tap or snap” for Second Gear Crew.

MATCH 3

Bobby Fish vs. Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas & Faye Jackson)

Alex Kane is clearly focused and needs to be tonight against a game Bobby Fish. Fish is very much feeling confident and shows it in his offense.However, both men are quick to lock up and they work the ground game. Kane starts off on the offensive, and even locks in the Fade To Black early. Fish may have got a cheap shot in and then focuses on the left knee. It becomes a target for Bobby.

He has Kane on the defensive quite a bit in the bout, but Fish a little too cocky and he gets taken to Suplex Island. Sure enough, Kane finds the right opportunity and chokes Fish out in the Fade To Black!

WINNER: Alex Kane

Kane gets on the mic to acknowledge the fans in NYC, but AJ Francis stops the celebration. He says that many fans don’t even realize BOMAYE came from Muhammad Ali, but ended up dropping a bombshell on the group. “Some people in your ranks, may not be as loyal as you think they are.” The crowd “ooo’s” at that one as both Mr. Thomas and Faye dismiss that notion.

MATCH 4

MLW World Tag Team Championship

WTF (Tom Lawlor & Davey Boy Smith Jr. w/ MSL) vs. Second Gear Crew (c)

WTF make it a point to try to take Manders out of the equation as DBS goes back to his hoss fight ways by delivering stiff elbows to the Corn Belt Cowboy. Matthew Justice rises to the occasion and splashes the sports entertainment out of DBS and Lawlor. However, once Manders gets back in, WTF take control. They go for the Hart Attack on Manders but Justice puls Lawlor out. SGC focus on DBS and hit him with a harsh spear and lariat combo. That’s curtains but Lawlor pulls referee Frank Gastineau out!

A table get presented and Lawlor is the one to fall victim to it. He gets Tornado DDT’ed by Justice through it in an amazing double team. Lawlor is twitching in pain as Manders covers: 1-2-no! MSL, who came in wearing a helmet to the ring, gets slugged by Manders. However, out comes Brett Ryan Gosselin and it allows DBS to grab the helmet and hits Manders with it. He gets covered by Tom Lawlor: 1-2-3. New champs!

WINNERS and NEW MLW World Tag Team Champions: WTF

The feed soon cuts and we see Mads Krule Krugger. He’s ready for one last war and he’s going to unleash his “new blood” into the league. “HAIL CONTRA!”

MATCH 5

NJPW World Television Championship

Bad Dude Tito vs. Matt Riddle (c)

Both Riddle and Tito are game for this fight as each competitor shows speed, athleticism and strength is shown. Suplexes are readily exchanged before kicks and strikes are exchanged. Tito gets the better of the exchange with a massive lariat.

Tito says he’s gonna rip Riddle’s head off. However, Riddle hits a fisherman’s buster and then follows up with a Broton Bomb for two near falls. “BRO” chants echo throughout the Melrose Ballroom.

Tito spinebusters Riddle down and hits a frog splash for his own near fall. More strikes are exchanged. Riddle goes on a flurry but Tito slows him down when he gets his knees up. Tito knows how to grapple and it’s evident in this match.

Hard forearms are traded between the two and then so are strikes and suplexes. Tito hits a blue thunder bomb and it’s a near fall. Only 15 minutes in this fight. Riddle manages to hit a package tombstone and it’s good for the pinfall win.

WINNER
and STILL NJPW World Television Champion: Matt Riddle

https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1763519561880506867

MATCH 6

$5,000 Five-Minute Challenge

Janai Kai vs. ???

Salina de la Renta walks out with a bag of cash and issues the challenge to anybody in the back. Out comes a game Zoey Cannon from Boston. A quick boot to the corner then a massive roundhouse knocks Zoey out cold quickly. The ref calls for the bell.

WINNER: Janai Kai

We cut to Cesar Duran who is smiling proudly in his office with the Middleweight Title sitting in front of him. He issues a new challenge to Salina. He wants her best luchador in the War Chamber. Who will she chose?

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT

MLW World Heavyweight Championship

Minoru Suzuki vs. Satoshi Kojima (c)

It should be noted that Kojima hasn’t competed in MLW or NJPW since his last Major League match. However, these two men know one another way too well and Suzuki is sadistic in his gameplan, greatly torquing the leg of Kojima.

Strong style and fighting spirit is greatly shown in this fight, but sportsmanship is out the window as Minoru makes plenty of moments to taunt his longtime rival. Kojima does hit Suzuki with a Kojima cutter and a lariato, but doesn’t get all of the latter. However, the two-time champ perseveres and nails a crisp one on the undefeated fighter in MLW and gets the emphatic 1-2-3!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima

Matt Riddle Believes WWE Had One Million Reasons To Release Him

Matt Riddle wants to explore free agency after a few years in WWE.  He was cut from the company in 2023,  along with many other superstars. Although he’s making strides on the independent wrestling scene, another year in WWE could’ve earned him a big payday. 

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Riddle shared that he believes there were several reasons he was let go, including his airport incident and failed drug test. He also shared that he was set to make $1 million before he was released, which could have influenced WWE’s decision. 

“…It was written in my contract that I was going to make a $1 million this upcoming year guaranteed, which was a lot more than I was making last year and a lot more than what I was making a year before that, so I think there were multiple variables that played into my departure,” said Riddle.

‘The King Of Bros’ also addressed if he believes WWE merging with UFC to form TKO Group Holding was a factor in being released. Riddle was a former UFC fighter and had issues with the organization. However, he thinks his contract was the more significant reason for his departure. 

Matt Riddle Thinks Contract Played Bigger Role In Departure Than WWE & UFC Merging

When responding to Helwani’s question about TKO Group Holding playing a role in his release, Riddle believes it was minimal if it did. He feels the pay increase and his value at the time hurt his chances of sticking around with the company. 

“…I think at the end of the day, it was a complete business move and one thing that I have noticed with all of these guys, just like I failed a bunch of drug tests and got fired from the UFC. Other people have failed drug tests and still have jobs,” said Riddle. He continued, “…I think, for the most part, it was a money thing. I think maybe my value went down a little bit, and for the amount they were still paying me or guaranteed to pay me, I honestly think that played a bigger factor than anything.”

Riddle noted that talent like Mustafa Ali and Nic Nemeth were let go, so the company wasn’t just looking at behind-the-scenes issues and was trying to cut costs.

 Since then, WWE hasn’t had mass talent releases, and the hope is that they won’t anytime soon. 

Matt Riddle Says Cocaine, Not Weed, Led to Failed WWE Drug Tests

It wasn’t weed that led to Matt Riddle violating WWE’s wellness policy, despite what some may believe, but instead the use of cocaine, the ex-Superstar has revealed. 

Riddle, alongside other wrestlers, was released from the promotion in September of last year, mere days after WWE parted ways with over 100 staff members from their offices in Stamford. Riddle was one of the biggest names released from WWE, a list that includes Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, and others. 

Matt Riddle On Using Cocaine In WWE

During his time on WWE’s main roster, Riddle was subject to stop-start pushes, which many fans at the time suspected was due to the usage of drugs. Speaking on the MMA Hour this week, Riddle said he failed wellness tests in WWE after testing positive for the usage of cocaine. 

“I went to the strip club and did cocaine a couple times. I failed a drug test for that. That was for all of them, it was cocaine each time.”

Riddle added that WWE did not indicate as to when talent would be tested. After failing two tests in short succession, Riddle vowed to clean up his act. True to his word, Riddle’s next tests came back negative, but after he decided to celebrate with some partying, a random test came back positive. Later in the interview, he addressed his time in rehab. 

“They can’t make you do anything, but it’s ‘go or…’ ‘Okay, I’ll go.’ I went for the 30 days, I left, and when I left, they made a recommendation that they wanted me to stay for another 30 days and I was like, ‘I said I would do 30 days, I don’t want to do another 30 days.’ I missed Christmas and New Year’s. I learned my lesson.”

What’s Next for Riddle?

Though he’s no longer with WWE, Matt Riddle has bounced back nicely. The Original Bro debuted in New Japan last month and very recently captured the NJPW World Television Championship. Riddle has also returned to Major League Wrestling. He will be a part of tomorrow evening’s Intimidation Games event, where he will defend his NJPW World TV Title against Big Bad Tito.

H/T – Fightful

Matt Riddle NJPW Title Defense Set For This Weekend’s MLW NYC Return

Major League Wrestling fans will be in for a special treat this Thursday. The company will have their pay-per-view MLW Intimidation Games at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City, New York. 

One of the featured matchups announced had Matt Riddle taking on Big Bad Tito. However, MLW has raised the stakes with Riddle putting his New Japan Pro Wrestling World Television Championship on the line. 

A press release from MLW shared that ‘The King Of Bros’ will have his first title defense against Tito. MLW CEO Court Bauer also acknowledged that the new championship match was possible thanks to the business relationship between MLW and NJPW. 

“The alliance between New Japan Pro Wrestling and MLW has resulted in this blockbuster title fight,” said Bauer. He continued, “I wish to thank Mr. Naoki Sugabayashi, Mr. Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Mr. Rocky Romero for brokering this title fight and allowing MLW and New York City the honor of hosting this world championship match. This cross-promotional championship clash signifies an era of exciting collaboration and competition in the world of professional wrestling.”

Riddle won the title by defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW The New Beginning In Sapporo on February 23. The short-notice defense gives Tito an excellent opportunity to compete for his first NJPW championship in his MLW debut. However, the match style has also changed. 

Preview Of Matt Riddle vs. Big Bad Tito At MLW Intimidation Games

Longtime NJPW fans may recall that NJPW World TV Championship matches have a time limit of 15 minutes. This rule adds a new dynamic to Riddle’s match against Tito. 

MLW commented on the new match format and its uniqueness to the MLW Intimidation Games card. 

 “Adding a layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated bout is the unique stipulation attached to the NJPW World Television Championship,” said MLW. They continue, “With a time limit of 15 minutes imposed on all NJPW World Television title matches, both Riddle and Big Bad Tito will be under immense pressure to seize victory within the allotted time frame.”

Tickets for MLW Intimidation Games are still on sale for as low as 19.81 on Eventbrite. However, the new match stipulation could help lead to a sold-out show soon. 

Nic Nemeth Signifies Start of New Era With Championship Win At The NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo, Full Results

The NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo event signified the start of a new era for NJPW as a new crop of foreign talent took center stage in the wake of some older names leaving.

The show built around Nic Nemeth’s debut for the promotion saw the officials putting their trust into the wrestling veteran in his very first outing for the company. The star formerly known as Dolph Ziggler not only main-evented the show but also picked up the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship in his debut match for the promotion.

Nemeth made it very clear in his first promo as the new champion that he will be taking this responsibility very seriously. The Global Champion declared passionately that the title means everything to him and he won’t be just sitting on his ass around after this big victory:

“This might be 20 more years of me holding this title and defend it in every goddamn night. If that’s what it means, that’s how I will go into my grave holding this, holding this championship that says, I am better than the best and I don’t just sit on my ass now and go home and wait for a call in three months to say it’s time to defend it.

You want a shot, you earn it, you step up to me, man to man, face to face, look me in the fucking eye and say, I think, I think. I think I can go with you. I think I can hang and you better believe that I’m gonna knock your head off your fucking body.”

https://twitter.com/prowresclips/status/1760996719083368734

Nic Nemeth wasn’t the only name who was trusted by the company to lead it forward. In an event that also featured one of Kazuchika Okada’s final matches for the promotion before his departure, Matt Riddle made headlines by picking up the NJPW World TV Championship from the new company president Hiroshi Tanahashi.

NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo Full Results: Nic Nemeth, Matt Riddle And More

Apart from this the show also showcased names such as Shota Umino who now have the responsibility to step up as the next generation of pillars for the legendary promotion. You can check out the full results from the event below:

  • Toru Yano & Tomoya def. Shoma Kato & Tomoaki Honma
  • Zack Sabre Jr. def. Yuji Nagata
  • HOUSE OF TORTURE (Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita) def. Boltin Oleg, Togi Makabe & Ryusuke Taguchi
  • Kazuchika Okada, YOH, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI def. Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Francesco Akira & Callum Newman
  • Los Ingobernables De Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI) def. Just Five Guys (SANADA, Taichi, Yuya Uemura, DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku)
  • IWGP Women’s Championship Match: Mayu Iwatani (c) def. Mina Shirakawa
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match: SHO def. El Desperado (c)
  • NEVER Openweight Championship Match: EVIL (c) def. Shota Umino
  • NJPW World TV Championship Match: Matt Riddle def. Hiroshi Tanahashi (c)
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Match: Nic Nemeth def. David Finlay (c)

With the recent backstage changes and the confirmed departure of top names such as Will Ospreay and Okada, NJPW has a lot of challenges ahead. The latest event, however, was a declaration from the company that they are ready to face the music and there is a new set of faces that are going to help them rebuild the company in wake of older talents leaving. 

Related: Hiroshi Tanahashi Acknowledges NJPW’s Need For New Stars After Recent Departures

Matt Riddle Confirms Conversations With TNA Wrestling About Coming In

Matt Riddle was released in September 2023 after he simply burned too many chances with management. His firing was connected to dozens of backstage incidents, and controversies. The final straw came after he had an inebriated escapade at JFK airport that was impossible to ignore.

Riddle Speaking To TNA

Matt Riddle is a top free agent, but he hasn’t inked a deal anywhere yet. That being said, it wasn’t for lack of interest, because his name could draw fans from all over.

While speaking to Sunday Night’s Main Event, Matt Riddle mentioned his involvement with several promotions such as TNA, New Japan, and MLW, expressing a preference for pay-per-view events over live TV due to their challenges. While he acknowledged enjoying the pressure, Riddle welcomed a respite from the demanding schedule and frequent script alterations on shows like Monday Night RAW.

After departing from WWE, Matt Riddle expressed that the constant television work, coupled with the demanding travel schedule, became stressful. Despite the lucrative pay and valuable experience, he now desires a hiatus from television commitments. During and after the 90-day period following his departure, Riddle plans to arrange some upcoming dates.

”I talked to some places. I’ve talked to TNA, I’ve worked with New Japan and MLW. You do film for TV, but it’s not the same as Monday Night Raw, three hours live, anything can happen, people are changing the script. You have ten minutes for your match, now you have five minutes. It’s extremely stressful. I like the pressure, but at the same time, I kind of wanted a little break from all that. I’m choosing places more pay-per-view based where I don’t have to worry about going to commercial so we can get that Fritos advertisement.”

What’s Next For Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is also slated to face RVD in an epic first-time ever encounter. On Saturday, March 9th, 2024, “The Reunion 3: Cavalcade of Legends” Super Show will take place in Chillicothe, Ohio, at the OU-Shoemaker Center, and those two icons of 420 inspired wrestling will clash for the first time.

Riddle is also scheduled to compete against Hiroshi Tanahashi for the NJPW World Television Championship at the upcoming New Beginning in Sapporo event on February 23rd. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the match.

Matt Riddle Is Not Surprised By Janel Grant’s Allegations Against ‘Maniac’ Vince McMahon

The allegations against Vince McMahon in Janel Grant’s lawsuit led to his resignation from the company. The pro wrestling world’s bubble busted open as mainstream outlets picked up this troubling story. That being said, Matt Riddle was not surprised.

Riddle Speaks on McMahon

Matt Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023 after his own slew of controversies. He simply burned every chance he had with management after his inebriated show at JFK Airport when he was heading home from WWE’s house show in India. He obviously saw the headlines about Mr. McMahon, and he had a lot to say about it.

While speaking on Sunday Night’s Main Event, the Original Bro stated that Vince McMahon is “a maniac.” He was not surprised by the allegations in Grant’s lawsuit, either.

”Well, people say that (they were surprised), and granted I had no idea of anything going on. I don’t even politic my own matches. I show up and do my job. Honestly, if you watch any of his work from in-ring performances, the things he said and did, logic would tell you alone. Especially, me, personally, all the good wrestlers that play good characters, that’s them. It might be turned up by ten or 100, but that’s them. When I see Vince do all the things he’s done from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s, I was not surprised.’‘

”Some of it, a little, but yeah, the guy is a billionaire that owns a company. He’s done it all, seen it all, and wants to do more and see more. I don’t know, I’m not a billionaire. I wasn’t the dude (alleged in the lawsuit). Brock was the dude he was talking to. It wasn’t me. I really have no comment, other than that. I’m not surprised. I hear people say they’re surprised. I’m not surprised. The guy was a maniac,”

WWE has taken active efforts to erase Vince McMahon from the public. He, along with Brock Lesnar, are no longer people that the company wants to associate themselves with. It is notable that Lesnar has zero creative plans for him, but he is still apparently under contract.

There May Be More To Unpack

Slim Jim pulled their Royal Rumble sponsorship, and Vince resigned shortly after that. It was later noted that his resignation came at the advisement of TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro.

The withdrawal of advertisers and sponsors can trigger a domino effect, prompting WWE to act swiftly to contain the situation. Vince McMahon’s resignation was deemed necessary under the circumstances and was widely regarded as justified. Questions have arisen regarding the validity of the initial investigation into the hush money scandal that led to McMahon’s first retirement, especially since Janel Grant claims she was never questioned. Grant’s lawsuit also highlights her intention to speak out for those who may not be able to. The possibility of more stories emerging about Mr. McMahon is deeply concerning.

‘Ms. Grant is filing this lawsuit not just to address her own suffering, but also to act for those who are afraid to speak out. Plaintiff Janel Grant is a former employee of WWE who was the victim of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault and trafficking at WWE.’

Matt Riddle Tells All About Botched Backstage WWE RAW Promo With Asuka

Matt Riddle made many memories while he was in WWE. One segment is still remembered by many, because it did not end the way it was scripted at all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouvevLTfz2A

Matt Riddle Comes Clean About His Flubbed Lines

Riddle sat down with Signed By Superstars, and he was asked about the promo where he forgot his lines. It sounded like he was happy to finally get asked about this, so he could get it off his chest.

The Original Bro alluded to the idea that he didn’t know he was live. He assumed it was a taped segment, but that was not the case. He flubbed his lines, and then Asuka was forced to just laugh it off and keep walking down the hallway after he scooted away.

“Let’s talk about that promo. One, usually when they go live, they tell you. Sometimes, you go through a couple of rehearsals beforehand. I had the scooter, they gave it to me and said, ‘We don’t want to see you. Go 20 yards that way and roll down.’ I rolled down, and I didn’t know it was live TV. The promo they originally had was me talking about how I had been to Japan before, which I hadn’t, and how I would go to underground robot fights and I was going to ask Asuka if scooters would be a big hit in Japan. Yeah, I forgot everything. I forgot everything when I rolled up.”

“I scoot back to the locker room. Me and Randy [Randy Orton] didn’t really talk, I guess Randy didn’t really like me when I first started working there because I am who I am. Randy comes up to me and goes, ‘I don’t know if that shit was planned, but that was your best promo yet.'”

What’s Next For Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is now onto his adventures in the pro wrestling world. He is working for NJPW and MLW. When it comes to AEW, Riddle made it abuandatly clear that he is not in any rush to wrestle on television again.

A WWE return is not out of the realm of possibility, because anyone can come back at this point. Don’t expect an immediate return, because it seems that Riddle is doing his own thing right now.

As I already exclusively noted on SE Scoops, WWE always had a plan for Matt Riddle and Randy Orton’s breakup. The idea was for Orton to turn on the Original Bro, but then he took off for 18 months due to back fusion surgery. 

WWE’s Abandoned Plan For Randy Orton & Matt Riddle’s RK-Bro Breakup Revealed

Matt Riddle previously stated that he has no hard feelings over his WWE release. Matt Riddle raked up over two dozen different infractions during this time with WWE, but it was his team with Randy Orton that many fans remember most.

Matt Riddle’s Claim About Plans For RK-Bro

During an appearance on Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle discussed WWE’s intentions for him and Randy Orton before his departure. Without providing extensive details, considering the potential for a WWE comeback, the King of Bros mentioned the existence of plans for a storyline featuring a heel turn for one of the RK-Bro team members.

”Plan was — well we were hoping it… I don’t wanna really say how, because if I do return and then we do the story — yeah, I would say eventually all teams eventually turn on each other. I don’t wanna give the spoiler of who was gonna turn on who.”

Riddle and Orton lost the RAW Tag Team Titles to the Usos in a title unification match on May 20th, 2022. Then The Viper needed to take his hiatus for back fusion surgery.

Exclusive Insight Into RKO-Bro’s Breakup Plan

I asked around about this plan for RK-Bro, and I was told that this was actually true. It was always WWE’s intention to break up the team, but they never got to run that angle due to Orton’s back injury.

A tenured member of the creative team told me that, “There was always the plan for Orton to turn on Riddle.” So, the plan was going to see The Apex Predator turn heel on the Original Bro.

Matt Riddle and Randy Orton’s tag team was not intended to be a long-term angle. They were supposed to split after a very short time, as the King of Bros was supposed to eat an RKO outta nowhere and that would be the end of their team. However, they took off in popularity, and Vince McMahon never broke them up for good on television.

I was told several times in the months leading to Randy Orton’s return to the company that an RK-Bro reunion was never discussed. Then, Riddle was released in September, two months prior to Orton’s Survivor Series return on November 25th.

What’s Next For Randy Orton & Matt Riddle

You can never say never about a WWE return for Matt Riddle. CM Punk proved that anyone can come back. Still, Riddle left WWE with a lot of issues, as he had burned all of his chances with upper management who previously stood up for him.

Riddle is now working for MLW and NJPW. He is also taking indie dates, so he will be busy. Of course,

Randy Orton is back in WWE, and in a fatal four-way for the Undisputed Universal Title against Roman Reigns, LA Knight, and AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble on January 27th. The King of Bros may not be at the Royal Rumble event, but odds are he will be cheering on for Randy from home.

Will Matt Riddle Sign With AEW? Ex-Superstar Shares His Current Priorities

Matt Riddle isn’t opposed to joining All Elite Wrestling when the time is right, but it’s not high on the Original Bro’s post-WWE bucket list. 

Riddle, alongside other wrestlers, was released from the promotion in September, mere days after WWE parted ways with over 100 staff members from their offices in Stamford. Riddle was one of the biggest names released from WWE, a list that includes Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, and others. 

Will Matt Riddle be All-Elite? 

With his non-compete clause a thing of the past, Matt Riddle has been announced for several shows and events. One place fans have yet to see Riddle however is AEW, which is home to many former Superstars. Speaking during a virtual autograph signing, the former U.S. Champion was asked about potentially being All-Elite.

“Yeah, honestly, I feel like a lot of the talent when I got released, were going to try to do that. I wanted to think outside the box and maybe not rush right back into doing TV matches. TV is a lot different than wrestling on ppl or the Indies. There are commercials, they cut times, they change things.”

With Riddle not currently interested in AEW, the King of Bros shared what are his priorities at this time. 

“For me, right now, New Japan, MLW, the Indies, I can display my art and I’m not under such a crunch of time or requirement. I have a lot more freedom. TNA isn’t out of the picture either. There are certain things I wanted to do. I really wanted to work in Japan and I made that a priority.”

Matt Riddle plans on wrestling in Japan, and his wish is about to come true… 

Matt Riddle Claims He Was Slated To Win Money In The Bank Match Until Right Before The Show

Matt Riddle was released from WWE in September, and he is now navigating the pro wrestling scene, doing his own thing along the way. He saw a lot in WWE, and it seems that he was also denied some major opportunities.

Matt Riddle’s Big Money in the Bank Claim

During a virtual signing hosted by Signed By Superstars, Riddle candidly discussed various aspects of his career during the two-hour session. He said that the Royal Rumble match win in 2022 was his, until Brock Lensar refused to put him over. He also claimed the Money in the Briefcase was also his for a time, but Vince McMahon picked his new favorite at the time to win instead.

The Original Bro revealed that he was originally scheduled to win the 2022 men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match. However, plans took a turn, with Vince McMahon favoring Austin Theory.

“Wanna hear something else cool? I was supposed to win Money in the Bank but Vince (McMahon) really likes Austin Theory and literally hours before, they changed it and Austin was added in and threw me off the ladder. After I took two huge ladder bumps off the RKO and everything else and it’s like… But, I love Austin Theory and I’m happy for him. Keep killing it bro.”‘

Theory was Vince McMahon protégée during that angle that didn’t really get to finalize before Vince McMahon’s retirement. Austin Theory was then stuck with the Money in the Bank briefcase after that, something that hindered him more than anything. Then WWE got the briefcase off him, and he’s been much better off since then.

Riddle may get another chance to compete in a Royal Rumble or Money in the Bank match. No WWE return is off the table at this point, and that’s one thing we all learned after watching CM Punk return at Survivor Series last year. We do know that Riddle claimed that he is not bitter about his WWE release, but that doesn’t give him any shortage of things to say.

Matt Riddle After WWE

The Original Bro is going to be busy, even if he’s not making dates for WWE anymore. At MLW Kings of Colosseum, Matt Riddle made his return to in-ring action for the first time since being released by WWE. This comeback also extends to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he openly challenged World TV Champion and company President Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Matt Riddle Reveals Creative Plan To Dismantle RK-Bro Team In WWE

WWE released Matt Riddle from his contract in September, and while that was a surprise, many fans are now wondering what could have been. RK-Bro won’t get another run, but there were apparently plans to end their team anyway. 

The Rise of RK-Bro in WWE

Randy Orton and Matt Riddle formed an unconventional tag team in 2021. Although Orton tried, Riddle was persistent, and it created some television gold for WWE.

Originally slated to be a very short angle, RK-Bro caught fire. Soon, fans all over were cheering for the team as they carried on their weekly soap opera storyline. 

Initially, The Viper and The Original Bro had a dysfunctional dynamic, but their chemistry evolved into a cohesive tag teams. After winning the RAW Tag Team Titles, they had a nice run as champions before losing a title unification match to The Usos, and then Orton took off for 18 months.

Original Plan For RK-Bro’s Breakup

During an appearance on Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle was asked about WWE’s plans for him and Randy Orton before his release. While being cautious not to divulge too much information, given the possibility of a WWE return, the King of Bros did reveal that there were plans for a storyline involving a heel turn for one of the two members of the RK-Bro team.

”Plan was — well we were hoping it… I don’t wanna really say how, because if I do return and then we do the story — yeah, I would say eventually all teams eventually turn on each other. I don’t wanna give the spoiler of who was gonna turn on who.”

Riddle did not specify who would be turning heel in that scenario. Orton went out of action with a back injury, one that required back fusion surgery; and that injury for the Apex Predator ended the RK-Bro team. So, a heel turn was never needed.

Exclusive Insight into RK-Bro’s Reunion Plans

After Matt Riddle was released, I reached out to inquire about RK-Bro, because I was curious. I was told by members of the creative team that there was never any plan to reunite RK-Bro.

There was never any talk of getting Matt Riddle back together with Randy Orton after The Viper’s return. Of course, Riddle was fired in September, two months prior to Orton’s Survivor Series return, where he snapped that 18-month hiatus from in-ring competition. 

Matt Riddle Says Brock Lesnar Refused To Let Him Win WWE Royal Rumble

Matt Riddle was released from WWE in September last year, and he is already filling up his 2024 with dates. He will not have a match against Brock Lesnar, but that also wasn’t going to happen while he was with WWE, either.

Matt Riddle & Brock Lesnar’s Story

The history between Matt Riddle and Brock Lesnar has been a popular narrative for pro wrestling fans, but the match never took place. The two had a backstage confrontation during the 2020 Royal Rumble, which garnered notable attention. 

In that Royal Rumble backstage encounter, Brock Lesnar let Matt Riddle know that he had no interest in facing him. Although they eventually briefly worked together, Riddle didn’t get the marquee match he wanted. Now, The King of Bros has alleged that Lesnar intentionally sandbagged his chances of winning the Royal Rumble match.

During an interview on Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle alleged that he was initially told he would win the 2022 Royal Rumble, but then he claimed that Brock Lesnar refused to cooperate and insisted on winning the match himself.

“I believe — you know, it’s sports-entertainment — that I was told at one point, yeah, I was gonna win the (Royal) Rumble and everything else, and then what was it? Bobby Lashley beat Brock Lesnar because somebody came in and hit him with the belt or what have you. Then Brock came in, didn’t wanna do business with everybody, said he was winning, and then he won, and then none of the producers… nobody stood up to him, and they let him do it. I didn’t either, I didn’t either. I’m like, f*ck man, I’m just here.”

Matt Riddle is very firm on the idea that Brock Lesnar harbored animosity towards him. This belief has spurred discussions among fans, especially considering the Royal Rumble incident. 

The anticipation leading up to the 2022 Royal Rumble suggested that Matt Riddle had significant momentum, leading many fans to believe it could be his moment to finally break into the main event picture with a WrestleMania main event match. That was not in the cards for the Original Bro.

Matt Riddle’s WWE Release

Matt Riddle’s release from WWE was marked by a series of internal issues, culminating in an incident at JFK Airport while returning from WWE’s final live event in India. He had a lot of internal infractions before that. 

Despite prior support from management, Matt Riddle exhausted his chances as they found themselves unable to stand behind him any longer. The Original Bro had recently rejoined the company after an extended hiatus for rehab.

After jumping back into the indies, Matt Riddle is already securing numerous dates. His upcoming first-time-ever match against RVD in March and his anticipated return to MLW are all promising prospects. Matt Riddle won’t be hard to find after his WWE tenure is over, even if Brock Lesnar wants to track him down.

Matt Riddle Will Drop His 420 Persona While Working In Japan

Matt Riddle’s WWE release opened a lot of doors for him. Now, at 37-yaers-old, he is ready for different challenges, even if he has to switch things up along the way.

Matt Riddle Changing Up His Character For Japan

While speaking to Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle was asked about the possibility of facing the Bullet Club in Japan, to which he replied that his 420 Bro character probably won’t work against that kind of opponent. 

“I’ve read a lot of things. The 420 Bro probably won’t make it to Japan,” Matt Riddle responded. This implies that he might have to switch up his in-ring style, which he has already covered

Matt Riddle expanded on this idea, as he responded that the 420 Bro persona is going to stay in America. So, whenever Riddle is in Japan, that 420 lifestyle is going to stay out of the country. He’s never been arrested for anything, nor does he have a criminal record. He wants to keep it that way as well.

“Regardless of what people think, I’ve never been arrested. I’ve never been arrested, I don’t have a criminal record. I want to keep it that way. Regardless of what people think, I’m going to keep it that way. That’s what we’re going to do. 420 Bro stays in America.”

What’s Next For Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle has shared his desire to challenge NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. However, his “420 Bro” persona might face drawbacks in Japan. He realizes that all too well, so things may have to change when he’s in Japan.

It was previously noted by Dave Meltzer that Matt Riddle and Jeff Cobb were almost a team in NJPW before. It’s anyone’s guess to see if that team may get a second chance in 2024. Cobb would definitely help Riddle tap into a more aggressive in-ring style. 

Matt Striker Regrets ‘Wrong’ & ‘Tone Deaf’ Defense of Matt Riddle

MLW commentator Matt Striker has responded to the backlash from comments he made during Matt Riddle’s first match back with the promotion. 

At MLW’s Kings of Colosseum show, Riddle defeated Jacob Fatu. This was the former WWE United States Champion’s first match since being released from WWE in September 2023. After the match, the two men shared a sign of respect. 

Matt Striker’s Comments

Striker was commentating on the match and was impressed with what he was seeing from Riddle. During part of the match, Stiker said the following: 

“How do you let this guy go? This guy is a star, a mega-million dollar star. I don’t care what he does. How do you let him go?”

Many have taken issue with Striker’s comment about not caring what Riddle’s done. Riddle has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct including from his ex-girlfriend Daniella Petrow. Riddle was also accused of sexual misconduct in 2020 by wrestler Candy Cartwright. While Riddle admitted to having an affair with Cartwright, he claimed it was entirely consensual. This affair led to Riddle’s marriage to his ex-wife Lisa ending. A legal case by Cartwright against Riddle and others was dropped in 2021.

Later in the match, Striker doubled down on his comment about Riddle being able to do whatever he wanted. 

“He can do whatever he wants, he can kick your ass. Anyone out there (has) got a problem with him, step to him out on the street, watch what happens. End of conversation.” 

Matt Striker Responds

Striker’s comments during the show have faced a backlash, with many taking issue with the notion that somebody accused of sexual misconduct can do “whatever he wants.” On Twitter, Striker reflected on what he had said. 

https://twitter.com/MLBMattStriker/status/1744006398776627545

At this time, MLW has not commented publicly on Striker’s comments or his subsequent tweet. MLW’s next major event will be Intimidation Games on February 29. 

Matt Riddle recently showed up in New Japan and already has laid out a challenge to a huge star. Click here to find out more. 

Matt Riddle Has No Hard Feelings Over His WWE Release

WWE released Matt Riddle from his contract in September 2023, and that 90-day non-compete clause is already over. He experienced a lot during his time in the company, and it doesn’t seem that there are any sour grapes at this time.

Matt Riddle Speaks On His WWE Release

Matt Riddle is already getting his name out there, one that WWE was gracious enough not to change during his run with the company. In addition to his marijuana endeavors, Riddle is also taking bookings. 

Although some former WWE Superstars aren’t fans of the company, and they’re not shy about saying so, Matt Riddle is not burning that bridge. The Original Bro is not bitter at all about his WWE release, and he made that crystal clear.

Matt Riddle opened up to FOX News about his WWE release. He harbors no hard feelings after he was cut from WWE, and he seems that things happen for a reason. 

“No, I have no hard feelings. And I would just say, with WWE, they run a ship, they run it a certain way, and when you work for WWE, everything you do is under a magnifying glass. It doesn’t matter if you did anything wrong, if you did something right, if it was in between, it’s perception.” “And the WWE, unfortunately, if a situation happens, and they don’t like the perception, they make their decision.”

“But I’m not going to argue with them. That’s their company. I don’t run it. I just worked there. I’m thankful that they gave me the time that they did and that’s all I can say.  I have zero hard feelings. I don’t know if I can say that for them. They might have some hard feelings, but I feel like they’re pretty professional. They’re more about that paper, that money. So, I don’t think there’s any hard feelings. I mean, they did have to pay me for three months when I didn’t work. That was on them. They fired me.”

Matt Riddle’s Future After WWE Release

WWE’s decision to terminate Matt Riddle’s contract surprised many fans, but it was prompted by a series of incidents that strained his relationship with the company. He exhausted multiple opportunities with upper management, and even those who had previously defended him could no longer do so.

Matt Riddle raked up over two dozen different infractions during this time with WWE, especially during the latter half of his main roster run. It got to the point where nobody could save him, and he was fired from the company weeks after he had an inebriated incident at JFK Airport while going home from WWE’s live event in India.

Matt Riddle is staying busy, and he has a few dates on his schedule. Apart from his MLW bookings, he is also slated for a first-ever encounter with RVD, in Chillicothe, Ohio, which may be a historic meeting of the minds.

Matt Riddle Arrives in New Japan to Challenge Hiroshi Tanahashi

Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle could be poised to make his New Japan Pro Wrestling debut very soon as part of the upcoming New Year Dash event. 

In a video shared on social media, Riddle can be seen donned in a gi and training intensely. The video also features clips of Riddle arriving in an expensive car in his signature flip-flops. In a promo at the end of the video, Riddle made his challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi. 

“Konichiwa New Japan! Let me introduce myself. My name is Matthew Riddle, the King of Bros. And I’ve got my sights set on Tanahashi-san, the Ace of New Japan. I’ll see you soon, bro.” 

In the clip below, you can see Tanahashi’s response to the challenge. The NJPW President said he’s ready to wrestle anytime, but has no idea who Riddle is. 

Matt Riddle 

Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023 as part of the first wave of talent releases following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. Riddle, a former U.S. Champion, Raw Tag Team Champion, and NXT Tag Team Champion, was one of the biggest names cut. 

Since being released, Riddle has signed with Major League Wrestling and will compete at their event this week. The former Superstar recently spoke about changing up his style and wants to showcase his serious skills in the ring in contrast to his WWE ‘goofball’ persona. 

Riddle isn’t the only ex-Superstar coming to NJPW. Nic Nemeth made his debut at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Click here to find out more about the rebrand of the Show-Off. 

Matt Riddle Speaks On Switching Up His In-Ring Style After WWE Release

WWE released Matt Riddle from his contract in September, and now the King of Bros is ready to reinvent himself. 

Matt Riddle After His WWE Release

Matt Riddle’s departure from WWE last year stirred some talk, thanks to his off-ring behavior causing controversy. Now, he’s making a comeback, but not where fans might have expected. Instead of joining AEW, Riddle is heading to Major League Wrestling (MLW), surprising many in the process. His return to the ring is scheduled for January 6th at MLW Kings of Colosseum, where he’ll face off against Jacob Fatu.

In a recent interview with Ryan Gaydos of Fox News, Matt Riddle opened up about his time in WWE, expressing a desire to move away from the more entertaining side of wrestling. This may also call for a change to his established persona.

Matt Riddle plans to focus on showcasing his actual wrestling skills, steering clear of the ‘goofball’ persona he had in WWE. With 2024 priving a fresh start, Riddle is excited about refocusing on his wrestling career and presenting a more serious and authentic side of himself in the ring.

”The last couple months, they’ve been good. I feel like the last probably 10 years, I’ve been wrestling pretty hard in the sense, like on the indies before I went to the ‘E’ (WWE), I was pretty busy traveling to Europe and wrestling everywhere. And then, of course, with the ‘E,’ I was traveling everywhere. So, the last three months, I kinda just had my first vacation in a really long time. I had a kid. A little son, Matthew. So, it was really getting ready and kinda like a reset button. The last couple of months, I totally just didn’t want to do anything other than work out, relax and take care of my family.”

“And now that (it’s) the New Year and I got that time and everything else like that, I think it’s just time to cook again and just really been focusing on that and what I want to do in the ring. I feel like before was more of a … it’s always entertainment, but it was a lot of entertainment before. And now, I think, the direction I’m going in, I’m going to be able to show the world what I can do in the ring and just present that version of myself rather than kind of a goofball on TV.”

Why WWE Released Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle was released from WWE after a string of internal issues. He was also involved in an inebriated ordeal at JFK Airport as he was on his way home from WWE’s last live event in India. 

Matt Riddle simply burned all of his chances with management, who did stand behind him, as they couldn’t back him up any longer. The Orirginal Bro had also returned to the company just a few months prior to that after a length hiatus so he could attend rehab.

The indies will be good to Matt Riddle, and he’s already raking up dates. He will wrestle RVD in a first-time ever match in March, and his MLW return is also likely a solid endeavor for him. So, Riddle won’t be hard to find if fans want to look for him after his time in WWE ended.

Matt Riddle returns to MLW on 1/6 in first match post-WWE

Matt Riddle is one of the many former WWE Superstars who are about to break into the free agency market. Their 90-day non-compete clauses expire on December 21st, including Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Dana Brooke, Mace, Mansoor, Elias, Rick Boogs, and more.

Now, we know Riddle’s next move in pro wrestling will include a return Major League Wrestling. 

Matt Riddle vs. Jacob Fatu is signed and scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Kings of Colosseum. The event takes place from Philadelphia, PA at the 2300 Arena.

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Riddle also has a match booked against Rob Van Dam

Matt Riddle is also booked for a dream match against RVD in Chillicothe, Ohio. Big Time Wrestling announced that Riddle vs. RVD will take place Saturday, March 9th, 2024 at “The Reunion 3: Cavalcade of Legends” Super Show at the OU-Shoemaker Center.

Why did Matt Riddle leave WWE?

Matt Riddle’s release from WWE was different from the rest of the cuts, and the company made that point by releasing him a day after everyone else. Riddle was released because there was cause for his termination.

The incident that triggered Matt Riddle’s release occurred at JFK Airport, where he was involved in an incident while under the influence. Officers needed to be called, and it was a messy situation. TMZ later released footage to back up his inebriated escapade.

This incident took place as Matt Riddle was returning home from WWE’s live event in India. The consequences were swift, culminating in Matt Riddle’s removal from the road, meaning his final match with the company was during a live event in India before his subsequent termination. The release was not based on an isolated event, but rather the result of a pattern of backstage infractions spanning several years.

Matt Riddle had just finished a stint in rehab, but that incident at JFK Airport did not paint the picture of someone who changed their ways. WWE decided to release Riddle instead, because he already had so many chances before.

People still like Matt Riddle in WWE, but his repeated behavior resulted in a situation where management could no longer back him up. I was told about dozens of incidents, both known and unreported, about times he ran afoul internally.

Despite the challenges and controversies, Matt Riddle’s wrestling journey continues, and fans can soon find him in MLW. Anyone can return to WWE, just look at CM Punk, so we will have to see what the future holds for the King of Bros.