Matt Riddle Sees Opportunity for Released Wrestlers Amid WWE Departures
Major League Wrestling (MLW) standout Matt Riddle is offering a message of hope and opportunity for professional wrestlers in the wake of recent high-profile departures from WWE. Last week saw a significant number of WWE superstars, including Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolan, Riley Osborne, Eddy Thorpe, Jakara Jackson, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, Oro Mensah, and Javier Bernal, exit the company. Multiple reports indicate that these departures were not outright releases but rather the result of WWE’s decision not to renew their contracts.
Riddle himself is familiar with the experience of being released by WWE, having parted ways with the company in September 2023. Since then, he has revitalized his career, performing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, and making a significant impact in MLW, where he captured the world heavyweight championship earlier this year.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Riddle shared his perspective on the situation, emphasizing that being released can be a catalyst for positive change and new opportunities. He believes that his own experience has proven that losing a job can ultimately be a blessing in disguise.
"It depends on what you do when you get fired," Riddle stated. "It’s always unfortunate when people lose their jobs, but at the end of the day, for some of us, say for me, for example, it was a blessing. Sometimes, you just need the right push. Sometimes you need somebody to shut a door on you so another can open. And that’s not to say that everyone that’s been released, and that’s not just pro wrestling, that’s any profession."
Riddle’s optimism stems from his personal journey. After being released from UFC earlier in his career, he found success in professional wrestling. Similarly, his WWE departure led him to new opportunities and achievements.
"Trust me, it might seem like it’s over, or it sucks, but when one door shuts, another opens," he emphasized. "Even when I got fired from UFC back in the day, to then come where I did in professional wrestling, and even to now where I’m at today. I got fired over a year or so ago, but I’ve held eight different championships, and I was able to recapture the one championship I was never able to win, and that was the MLW Heavyweight Championship. Sometimes getting fired is a blessing in disguise."
Riddle’s return to MLW at Kings of Colosseum in 2024 marked a turning point in his career. He quickly made his presence felt by winning Battle Riot VI that year. In January, at Kings of Colosseum, he defeated Satoshi Kojima to claim the World Heavyweight Championship. He then successfully defended the title in a triple-threat match against Kojima and Alex Kane, and later against 39 other men in Battle Riot VII.
Riddle is scheduled to defend his MLW World Heavyweight Championship against Donovan Dijak at Azteca Lucha in Chicago. The event takes place at Cicero Stadium and will be available to watch on YouTube. Despite being banged up, Riddle is ready to face the challenge and continue his reign as champion.
Riddle’s story serves as an inspiration to those who have experienced job loss or setbacks in their careers. His message is one of resilience, adaptability, and the belief that new opportunities can arise from unexpected circumstances. He encourages those who have been released to view it as a chance to reinvent themselves and pursue new paths to success.
In a profession as demanding and unpredictable as professional wrestling, dealing with releases and contract expirations is an inevitable part of the journey. While it can be a difficult and disheartening experience, Riddle’s perspective offers a valuable reminder that it is not the end of the road. With hard work, determination, and a willingness to explore new avenues, wrestlers can find success and fulfillment in other promotions and platforms.
The recent WWE departures have undoubtedly created a ripple effect throughout the wrestling industry, leaving many fans and wrestlers wondering what the future holds. However, Riddle’s words provide a sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that these changes can ultimately lead to new and exciting opportunities for those involved.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for wrestlers to be proactive in managing their careers and exploring different options. Whether it’s venturing into independent promotions, seeking opportunities overseas, or pursuing other creative endeavors, there are numerous ways for wrestlers to showcase their talent and build a successful career.
Matt Riddle’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. His success in MLW and other promotions demonstrates that being released from WWE does not necessarily mean the end of a wrestler’s career. Instead, it can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and the discovery of new possibilities.
The wrestling world will be watching closely as Matt Riddle defends his MLW World Heavyweight Championship against Donovan Dijak. His performance in the match will not only showcase his skills and athleticism but also serve as a symbol of his resilience and determination to succeed.
Ultimately, Matt Riddle’s message to released wrestlers is one of encouragement and empowerment. He reminds them that they have the talent, skills, and experience to overcome this setback and create a bright future for themselves in the wrestling industry and beyond.
