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

Originally posted on SE Scoops | By Aaron Varble | Last updated 12/21/23

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 joins #MLW. pic.twitter.com/3fAFTYYHHs
— MLW (@MLW) December 21, 2023

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.

Get Tickets for MLW Philadelphia (1/6/24)

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.