Matt Riddle, the reigning MLW World Heavyweight Champion, is set to defend his title against a formidable challenger, Donovan Dijak, at the upcoming Azteca Lucha pay-per-view. The event, scheduled for Saturday night at Cicero Stadium in Chicago, promises a high-stakes encounter with Riddle entering the match carrying an injury sustained at the hands of his opponent.
Riddle’s championship reign began nearly four months ago at Kings of Colosseum, where he defeated Satoshi Kojima to capture the coveted MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Since then, he has successfully defended his title against Kojima in a rematch, as well as against Alex Kane at SuperFight 6. Most recently, Riddle emerged victorious from the grueling Battle Riot match, overcoming 39 other competitors to retain his championship.
Despite his impressive run as champion, Riddle acknowledges the significant challenge posed by Donovan Dijak. Dijak, since his MLW debut last year, has remained unpinned and unsubmitted, establishing himself as a dominant force in the promotion. Their previous encounter at MLW’s One Shot in December ended in a disqualification victory for Riddle, leaving Dijak with a score to settle.
Adding to Dijak’s formidable presence is his alliance with manager Saint Laurent and his newfound partnership with Bishop Dyer, who debuted at Battle Riot. This support system could prove advantageous for Dijak as he seeks to dethrone Riddle and claim the World Heavyweight Championship.
Riddle, in an interview with Fox News Digital, expressed his awareness of the challenges he faces as the top champion in MLW. He acknowledged the constant pressure and the target on his back, but emphasized that it serves as motivation.
"At the end of the day, it’s kind of like motivation," Riddle said. "Sometimes, when you’re just one-on-one with somebody, you kind of drop your guard. Unfortunately for me, it’s never a one-on-one situation, even when it’s supposed to be. It’s just another day for the bro. It’s just another day for the MLW heavyweight champion of the world. I think I’m ready."
Riddle’s confidence stems from his recent victory in the Battle Riot, where he overcame a large field of competitors, including veteran Rob Van Dam, to retain his championship. Despite the challenges, Riddle believes he possesses the necessary skills and mindset to overcome Dijak and continue his reign as champion.
However, Riddle will enter the match with a significant disadvantage: injured ribs sustained in a steel chair assault by Dijak. The attack has left Riddle visibly weakened, and Dijak is likely to target the injury during the match.
"The ribs are a little banged up," Riddle admitted. "But that’s bound to happen in this line of work. I think the important part is that Dijak is the one responsible for injuring my ribs. He’ll probably be trying to target them in this world title match in Chicago. I’m looking out for that, but, at the same time, I’ve been doing some sit-ups. I’ve been trying to keep the abs tight."
Despite the injury, Riddle remains determined to defend his championship and overcome Dijak’s challenge. He has been training and preparing for the match, focusing on strengthening his core and bracing for the expected attacks on his ribs.
Adding to the anticipation surrounding the match is the presence of Austin Aries, who is expected to provide commentary for the event. Aries, a former MLW star himself, recently returned to the promotion on the mic at Battle Riot. His insights and analysis are sure to enhance the viewing experience for fans.
Aries, in an interview with Fox News Digital, shared his thoughts on the upcoming championship match. He emphasized the difficulty of maintaining a championship reign, as the champion becomes a target for everyone in the promotion.
"I know as good as anybody to win the championship is difficult, but to keep the championship is even more difficult because now you’re a marked man, everyone’s coming for you, everyone’s gunning for you," Aries said. "And, on top of that, you’re being asked to do media, you’re getting asked to be the face of the company. It’s a heavy burden to carry, and Riddle’s been carrying for a while. If there’s anyone that’s going to take the championship off of them and if at any point it’s gonna happen, Chicago coming up here on May 10 very well could be that day."
Aries’ comments suggest that Dijak poses a serious threat to Riddle’s championship reign. With his undefeated streak, his imposing presence, and his alliance with Saint Laurent and Bishop Dyer, Dijak has all the tools necessary to dethrone Riddle and become the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.
The Azteca Lucha pay-per-view promises to be a thrilling event, with the main event between Matt Riddle and Donovan Dijak serving as the centerpiece. The match is expected to be a hard-fought battle, with both competitors giving their all in pursuit of the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.
The event will be held at Cicero Stadium in Chicago, providing a lively and energetic atmosphere for the fans in attendance. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be available to watch on YouTube, allowing fans around the world to witness the action.
The clash between Riddle and Dijak represents a pivotal moment in MLW history. Will Riddle overcome his injuries and the challenges posed by Dijak to continue his championship reign? Or will Dijak finally capture the championship and usher in a new era in MLW? The answers will be revealed at Azteca Lucha.
