Riddle Eyes a Return to Combat Sports
Former UFC fighter and current professional wrestling star Matt Riddle is contemplating a return to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2024. At 37 years of age, Riddle has been out of the MMA spotlight for a decade, but his recent statements suggest that he's gearing up for a potential comeback.
While Riddle remains tight-lipped about the specifics, he has confirmed ongoing discussions with various organizations. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has brought attention to potential offers on the table from both bare-knuckle fighting promotions and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), indicating a range of opportunities for the former athlete turned wrestler.
A Look Back at Riddle's MMA Career
Riddle's last appearance in the MMA arena was in February 2014 when he faced Michael Kuiper at a Titan FC event. This followed his departure from the UFC, where he left on a high note with a four-win streak, culminating in a victory over Che Mills in 2013. However, two of these victories were later overturned due to failed drug tests for marijuana, which became a point of contention between Riddle and the UFC President, Dana White.
White's public criticism of Riddle after his UFC exit was a pivotal moment for the fighter. According to Riddle, this negative spotlight inadvertently helped shape his future persona in professional wrestling, as fans could relate to his experience of being reprimanded by an authority figure. This incident laid the foundation for the 'bro' character that Riddle would eventually embody in the wrestling world.
Transition to Professional Wrestling
Following his stint in MMA, Riddle transitioned to professional wrestling in 2014, training diligently before making his debut in 2015. He quickly made a name for himself on the independent circuit, capturing several titles along the way. His prowess in the ring did not go unnoticed, and by 2018, Riddle had joined WWE NXT, where he achieved success as one half of the NXT Tag Team Champions alongside Pete Dunne.
In February 2021, Riddle ascended to new heights by winning the United States Championship on WWE's main roster. His charisma and in-ring skills led him to form a popular tag team known as "RK-Bro" with veteran superstar Randy Orton. Together, they secured the Raw Tag Team Championship on two occasions, further cementing Riddle's status as a versatile performer capable of crossing over from real combat to sports entertainment.
Martial Arts: A Lifelong Pursuit
Despite his achievements in professional wrestling, Riddle has never strayed far from his roots in combat sports. As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, he continues to practice martial arts multiple times a week, maintaining his readiness for a potential return to competition. This dedication was evident when he was spotted at the Jake Paul vs. Andre August boxing match in Orlando, signaling his ongoing interest in the fight game.
Riddle's Future Prospects
In conversations with MMA Junkie, Riddle expressed a keen interest in stepping back into the ring or cage, hinting that plans for 2024 are underway. While he acknowledges the past and his abrupt pivot to pro wrestling, Riddle sees the possibility of returning to MMA not just as a personal challenge, but as an opportunity to perhaps redefine his athletic legacy. "I never say never," said Riddle. "If the opportunity is right. I don't really hold a grudge."
Reflecting on his departure from the UFC and subsequent success in professional wrestling, Riddle seems to view his potential return to MMA as unfinished business. "I feel like I left the UFC on a four-fight win streak, then won another fight in Titan FC. I just kind of left and went to pro wrestling," he explained. "I did good (and am) still doing it. Pro wrestling is awesome, but I still want to get beat up. I want to have my exit. We'll see. Maybe somebody beats me up. Maybe I keep winning. Who knows?"
As a free agent, Riddle's path is his own to chart. Whether he returns to MMA or continues to thrill audiences in the wrestling ring, his competitive spirit remains undimmed. Fans will undoubtedly follow his journey with great interest, eager to see if the multifaceted 'bro' can once again make waves in the world of combat sports.