Matt Riddle issues challenge to NJPW champion ahead of first match since WWE release

Matt Riddle, a former WWE superstars and MMA fighter, was released by WWE in September 2023 after a series of controversies and disputes. Months after his release from WWE, Riddle is set to compete in his first match after signing with the Major League Wrestling last month.

With a couple of days remaining for his match, Riddle has now issued a challenge to a NJPW World Champion, teasing a possible entry to the New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Matt Riddle issues challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi

At the NJPW’s New Year Dash event, Matt Riddle issued a challenge to the NJPW President and NJPW World TV Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who was addressing the fans after successfully defending his Championship against Zack Sabre Jr. at Wrestle Kingdom 18.

Appearing on the big screen, Riddle said, ”Konnichiwa New Japan, my name is Matt Riddle, the King of Bros. I got my sights set on Tanahashi-san, the Ace of Japan. I’ll see you soon.” After the promo Tanahashi was confused and he took the mic and said, “I will have to do some research as I have no idea who that is,” in Japansese.

Riddle congratulated Tanahashi on his win, but said that he was not impressed by his title reign. Riddle challenged Tanahashi to a match for the NJPW World TV Title, saying that he wanted to prove himself against the best and show the world who the real ace of NJPW is.

Riddle set for first match since WWE release

Matt Riddle is slated to face Jacob Fatu in a singles match at Kings of Colosseum, a premium live event by Major League Wrestling. The match is scheduled to take place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on January 6, 2024. Significantly, this marks Riddle’s first official match since his release from WWE.

Fatu, a member of the renowned Anoa’i family – a wrestling dynasty that includes luminaries like The Rock, Rikishi, The Usos, and Roman Reigns – has been the longest-reigning MLW World Heavyweight Champion and has been a dominant force on the MLW roster since 2019.

Riddle was in NXT for two years, before his entry to the main roster. He won the WWE Raw tag team championship with the Viper Randy Orton. He is also a one time United States Champion and NXT Tag Team Champion. On October 2023 he was released by WWE following the allegation at JFK Airport in New York.

Before the match, Riddle is advertised to interact with fans outside the arena, participating in a photoshoot session. The upcoming encounter between Riddle and Fatu is anticipated to be a hard-hitting and explosive showdown, featuring one of the most talented wrestlers against a controversial figure in the history of the wrestling industry.