Video shows former WWE star Matt Riddle shoving fan

A video has surfaced showing former WWE wrestler Matt Riddle getting into a physical confrontation with a fan at a Boca Raton Championship Wrestling event on Sunday night. 

The video was shared on social media by a fan named James Michael Oja, Jr. On his Instagram account, Oja refers to himself as a “bad-*ss construction worker.” He has issued online challenges to a number of pro wrestlers, including Riddle, Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and AJ Francis. 

Riddle was wrestling Stallion Rogers on the show. The action spilled outside the ring and Rogers went to the barricade directly in front of Oja, who was standing out of his front-row seat with his hands on the barricade. Riddle can be seen smiling at Oja, walking up to him, saying something, and shoving him in the face. Oja never leaves his feet, and his hands never leave the barricade. 

Riddle rose to fame as a mixed martial artist, appearing on Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter. He would win seven fights in the UFC, including awards for fight of the night and submission of the night, before tesing positive for marijuana and being released.

He moved on to pro wrestling, training at the Monster Factory and winning both Rookie of the Year and Most Improved in the 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards. 

He joined WWE in 2018, winning the NXT Tag Team Championship, the United States Championship, and the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship twice with Randy Orton. In 2023, he was released by WWE following an incident with police at JFK International Airport. He has been active on the indies since then. 

First match announced for MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special

The first match has been announced for MLW’s show in Charleston, South Carolina, on November 20.

Killer Kross vs. Matt Riddle is now scheduled for the event. MLW announced the news in a press release on Monday, writing:

“Two of the sport’s most dangerous fighters will collide when Killer Kross returns to an MLW ring for the first time in three years to face the unpredictable and unapologetic ‘Rude Dude’ Matt Riddle. Once training partners, now potential rivals, this showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated and heavy-hitting battles in MLW history.”

In storyline, the match was made by Cesar During, who called it “a fight that blurs the line between respect and rivalry. Once friends, will they still be after Charleston? Not that I care!”

The show will take place at the Charleston Music Hall and will air on YouTube and BeIN Sports.

On Saturday’s broadcast of MLW Symphony of Horrors, Riddle was critical of Duran’s matchmaking, particularly for not being granted an immediate rematch after losing his title to Mads Krule Krugger. During the segment, Riddle called Duran’s matchmaking “worse than Brock Lesnar.”

Kross vs. Riddle is the first match confirmed for the show. However, Brock Anderson has challenged Krugger to a Bunkhouse Brawl after Krugger electrocuted CW Anderson in the Chamber of Horrors match last month. Brock’s father, Arn Anderson, has also been announced for the Charleston event.

MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special

  • Matt Riddle vs. Killer Kross w/Scarlett Bordeaux
  • Arn Anderson to make a special appearance
  • Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows to appear

Former WWE wrestler turns heel at MLW Slaughterhouse

Matt Riddle is no longer the King of Bros, now calling himself The Rude Dude.

The former MLW World Champion turned heel at MLW Slaughterhouse on Saturday night in Long Beach, California. He defeated Alex Hammerstone with a low blow before turning on the fans in a post-match interview.

Riddle said:

“Well, looky looky, what do we got here? Another beta with a microphone. Why don’t you get your little dong energy out of here,” Riddle said to MLW commentator, Joe Dombrowski.

“I used to think wrestling fans were awesome, I used to think that you actually had a brain between your ears. But at the end of the day, what I’ve come to conclusion is: That you guys are a bunch of morons, bro. I’ve been working my ass off just so some fat piece of trash can sit at home in his mom’s basement, go on X, and talk that s–t? Been there done that.”

Riddle then egged the crowd on to boo him even more. Before the finish of his match with Hammerstone, he’d received a mixed reaction, with fans chanting “Let’s go Riddle/Riddle sucks.”

“I’m going to leave with this: The King of Bros is dead and this is the era of The Rude Dude.”

Riddle is coming off having dropped the MLW World Championship at Fightland last month to Mads Krule Krugger, after Krugger cashed in his title match contract to make Riddle’s match against Donovan Dijak a three-way.

“I certainly didn’t expect that from the bro,” said MLW commentator and our own Tom Lawlor following Riddle’s win over Hammerstone.

In early September, Riddle and Global Wrestling Kingdom were involved in a public dispute after the promotion accused him of no-showing an event and not returning his deposit. Riddle responded that the promotion had booked him to fly out several days before the show, something he was unable to do. Shortly after, GWF confirmed that Riddle had returned the deposit.

MLW Slaughterhouse 2025 is available on YouTube below.

New MLW World Champion crowned at Fightland

Mads Krule Krugger is the new MLW World Champion.

Krugger defeated Donovan Dijak and Matt Riddle in a triple threat match on Saturday night at MLW Fightland in Dallas. The bout was originally scheduled as Riddle defending against Dijak in a singles match, but Krugger cashed in his Gravity Gamble contract, which he earned by winning a ladder match at Kings of the Colosseum in January, to make it a three-way.

The finish saw Riddle appear to have the match won after hitting Dijak with a Brostone piledriver, but Krugger grabbed Riddle from behind after the move, gave him a full nelson slam, and pinned him for the win. 

Krugger didn’t have long to celebrate the win, however. He was attacked by Dijak after the bell and the two brawled throughout the NYTEX Sports Center. Then just as the show was going off the air, former MLW World Champion Hammerstone appeared and hit Krugger with a chair.

MLW.com wrote about the title change:

“For the first time in four years, CONTRA Unit once again holds the World Heavyweight Championship, a chilling reminder of the international cabal’s ruthless dominance.”

This was the 13th time the MLW World Championship has changed hands and Krugger becomes the 12th wrestler to win the title. 

The full MLW Fightland show is available on YouTube below:

Daily Update: WCW Nitro anniversary, Matt Riddle, Real American Freestyle

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Thursday Update

WWE

  • Rey Mysterio and his daughter Aalyah were in attendance last night for a session at Natalya & TJ Wilson’s Dungeon training facility. WWE legend Tatanka and his sons Jeremiah & Joseph were also there.
  • Natalya wrote:
    • An insane night of training in The Dungeon. Nights like this set my soul on fire. So much passion and generations of wrestling in one room. It was such an honor having you tonight as a guest @reymysterio. Lessons upon lessons—@NativeTatanka @TJWilson
  • Zelina Vega reacted to the Wyatt Sicks exhibit that’s part of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights:
    • The @WWE Wyatt house at #halloweenhorrornights is insane. Like insanely good. I got scared, I laughed and almost cried. It’s a MUST SEE! MUST EXPERIENCE.. and I’m not just saying that. [Bray Wyatt] would have loved it
  • Denise Salcedo has an interview with Kevin Nash.
  • The Kayfabe Friends Wrestling Podcast spoke with Mick Foley.

Other Wrestling

  • Today marks 30 years since the debut of WCW Nitro, which launched in 1995 with the first episode taking place in Bloomington, Minnesota at the Mall of America.
  • Eric Bischoff commented on the Nitro anniversary:
    • Weekly 2hr LIVE format, PPV quality matchs, introduction of Lucha/cruiserweight division on a national primetime platform, targeting 18-49 male vs the teen/preteen audience, focus on reality based stories and characters. Happy 30th #NITRO
  • The Mall of America also sent out a tweet acknowledging the role it played in launching Nitro.
  • The GoFundMe campaign to benefit former EVOLVE Tag Team Champion Jaka (Jonathan Echevarria) in his recovery from a heart attack has now raised more than $17,000.
  • Mike Santana sent out a tweet promoting the GoFundMe and asking fans to continue keeping Jaka in their prayers:
    • My brother from another. 
    • My heart aches for him and his family as he goes through this tough time.
    • If you ever came across Jonathan, you know that he was a special soul who always went above and beyond to put smiles on faces. His presence always filled a room and there’s truly no one like him. 
    • We all want to make sure that he and his family have no worries and can solely focus on his recovery. So we kindly ask if you can Donate/Share his Go Fund Me
    • It would mean the world to him and his family. PLEASE continue to keep him in your prayers.
  • Los Tranquilos de Japon (Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI) will be competing in Germany for wXw on September 27.
  • Thekla was the guest on AEW Unrestricted this week.
  • WrestleZone spoke with Ash By Elegance.
  • SiouxperCon announced that they’ve pulled Matt Riddle from their convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota later this month following comments that Riddle made regarding the topics of sexual assault and domestic violence:
    • In light of recent public statements made by Matt Riddle regarding the topics of SA and DV, SiouxperCon has made the decision to cancel his appearance at this year’s convention. The statements that were made in no way represent our organization or event, and are not aligned with the mission, vision, and values of our organization.
    • Fans that have purchased photo ops in advance for Matt Riddle will be automatically refunded this week to their original form of payment.
    • SiouxperCon has always strived to be a safe and inclusive space and event for all to feel welcome, including those that have been affected by SA and DV. This is why we, along with New Sound Wrestling, will be donating 10% of the proceeds from all SiouxperMania tickets sold to The Compass Center to support the work they do in our community for survivors and victims.
  • Real American Freestyle announced that it will hold its second event at Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania on November 8. The show will stream live on Fox Nation.
  • Riddle, who was backstage at RAF’s first show, told TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast that he’s hoping to compete for the organization:
    • I’m a shooter. I love amateur wrestling. And honestly, I hope I get on one of these RAF shows. I talked to [Eric] Bischoff, talked to everybody else. I’m probably going to be on one of these shows soon.

Matt Riddle returns deposit amid charity event no-show controversy

After controversy erupted this week with Matt Riddle being accused of no-showing a charity event, the situation is closer to being resolved.

Riddle was scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom to face Simon Miller at a show for Global Wrestling Kingdom on Sunday. But Riddle did not appear at the show and was replaced by Grado instead. It was reported that Riddle no-showed the event — which was a charity show to benefit homeless veterans and survivors of bereavement by suicide — and had not returned his deposit.

The deposit has now been returned, with Global Wrestling Kingdom saying that Riddle has given them his word that he will reimburse his expenses as well.

“Mr Riddle has now paid back his deposit and has given us his word that he will reimburse his expenses too,” the promotion wrote.

In the original report about Riddle no-showing the event, it was said that Riddle expressed concerns over the quality of his flight and that he would have to spend two days in a hotel room in the U.K. with nothing to do.

Riddle addressed the situation in a video on Wednesday and claimed that the show was not originally a charity event until that aspect was added at the last minute. Riddle also said the promotion was supposed to line up other appearances for him leading into the show, which did not end up happening. Riddle said he never told Global Wrestling Kingdom that he would not pay them back for missing the event.

Global Wrestling Kingdom says it was announced in July that the show would be for charity.

Over the weekend, Riddle was backstage at Real American Freestyle’s event on Saturday and then competed for an indie in Florida on Sunday.

Global Wrestling Kingdom shared the following statement giving their side of the situation:

We have not made any public statement on this unfortunate situation, but we think it’s important to set the record clear on Mr Riddle’s claims.

His flights were booked and approved by his manager back in April. No issue was raised at the time.

We originally planned to coincidence his appearance with some seminars but his manager asked if we could share his weekend with a promoter in Paris who wanted to book him on the Saturday which we agreed to.

Unfortunately, they decided that they couldn’t work with him. We did make efforts to see if we could help get him booked elsewhere but to no avail. We simply can’t force promotions or gyms to work with him if they don’t wish to.

After months of chasing his manager for a promised promo hyping up the event, he eventually sent us one the Wednesday prior to the show.

We wished him a safe flight on Thursday but got not response. No issue of the flight was raised.

We informed him the name of his driver on Friday morning but got no response.

Again, no issue was raised regarding his flight, nor did he let us know that he was planning on not showing up.

After his driver waited several hours at the airport for him, we asked him where he was but didn’t get a reply back until Friday evening. Only then did he tell us he was unhappy with his flight and decided to take other bookings instead.

We implored him to try and get a flight over as fans had paid to see him. He was reminded again, that this was a charity event (for ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’ and ‘help 4 homeless veterans’) which was announced on our social media pages back in July.

We received no response from Mr Riddle whatsoever until yesterday afternoon – 3 days after the event.

In his many videos, he’s stated that his flights didn’t include meals. Screenshots clearly show that 2 meals were included in his flight and these screenshots were sent to him on Friday night. No seats were allocated because this is done once you check in online which Mr Riddle hadn’t done. Any issues with luggage could have been quickly sorted out by a quick message or phone call.

It is incredibly disappointing that this happened, but we would like to focus on the positive and heap massive praise on all the talent and fans who showed up on Sunday. All the fans and talent backstage were incredibly positive, and the reaction of the crowd when Grado’s music hit nearly knocked us out of our chairs. Grado truly is… the man!

Matt Riddle: I think CM Punk is ‘fake and a creep’

Matt Riddle is still no fan of WWE star CM Punk, calling him out once again in an interview just weeks after doubling down on a statement when he said he was told Punk was “a b*tch to work with” backstage.

Riddle randomly brought up the star during a Wednesday TMZ interview where he was defending himself from claims he no-showed a charity event.

Riddle said that while he had “no ill will” toward Punk and that “I bet he’s a nice enough guy if you agree with him, but I don’t. I think he’s fake and I think he’s a creep.”

When pressed by the interviewers further, Riddle said he thought Punk was “just lingering around the NXT locker room a little too much.” This sequence followed an accusation about Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, and her past activities while saying he engaged in such activities himself in the past.

Riddle is the current MLW Champion who was in WWE from July 2018 through September 2023 when he was released. He and Punk were never in WWE at the same time, missing each other by a few months when Punk returned in November 2023.

Matt Riddle responds to allegations he no-showed charity wrestling event

Matt Riddle has responded to allegations that he no-showed a charity wrestling event.

Cultaholic reported on Wednesday that Riddle did not make his scheduled booking for Global Wrestling Kingdom on Sunday, August 31, where he was scheduled to wrestle Simon Miller in the main event. Grado ended up being brought in as a last-minute replacement to wrestle Miller on the show.

Riddle posted a video later on Wednesday, detailing his reasons for not attending the show. He stated that he told the promotion multiple times that the travel arrangements they had made were not acceptable, and when the company refused to change them, he made plans to wrestle elsewhere instead.

Riddle says in the video:

“GWK, the reason I didn’t go is because you booked me a flight for Thursday for a show that was happening Sunday and you said you were booking me meet and greets, other matches and appearances. You did none of that. I had nothing scheduled and I was going to sit in a hotel room for two days in London. I told you multiple times I can’t do that or wouldn’t do that.”

“And I got work for Friday and Saturday and Thursday. I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and I told you I’d fly to London Saturday evening. You said you pay for it. I go, no, you pay for it, take it out of my pay, whatever. You guys refused so I flew to Miami and wrestled there.”

“I never said I wouldn’t pay you guys back, that’s a lie. Also, this show wasn’t a charity event, that’s a lie. That was a last second change. You also booked me the worst flight in history, bro. Middle seat, no meal, no checked bag. GWK, this is probably your last run.”

Riddle wrestled for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling in Florida on Sunday, the same day he was to be at the GWK show in Burnley, although he was not advertised for the show ahead of time.

Sunday was the first-ever show by Global Wrestling Kingdom, which is run by former WWE wrestler, Al Snow.

Riddle released a second video 30 minutes later, expressing frustration at his critics. It is available below.

Report: Matt Riddle no-showed charity event, hasn’t returned deposit

Matt Riddle reportedly missed a charity pro wrestling event he was scheduled for and has not returned the deposit he was paid.

According to a report from Cultaholic, Riddle was scheduled to wrestle Simon Miller at Global Wrestling Kingdom: A New Kingdom Rises in Barnsley, England on Sunday, August 31, 2025. However, the promotion says Riddle never traveled to the UK for the show. He was featured on posters and advertising for the event, which was raising money in support of survivors of domestic abuse and homeless veterans.

Cultaholic reports that Riddle had expressed concerns about his flight to the UK and his hotel arrangements, and told the company he had accepted another booking for that day but hoped to work both shows. He reportedly never opened further emails from Global Wrestling Kingdom afterward.

“Sources close to the situation have revealed to Cultaholic that Riddle was booked for the Global Wrestling Kingdom event through his manager several months ago, but Riddle recently expressed concerns about his flight, claiming it was cheap, and his unhappiness about being in a hotel room in Barnsley for two days,” wrote Cultaholic’s Aidan Gibbons.

Riddle ended up wrestling for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling in Florida on Sunday. He is one-half of the tag team champions in the promotion alongside Stallion Rogers, and they defeated the team of Lakay and Lincoln. Moose, Steve Maclin, Ash By Elegance, Ricky Morton, James Ellsworth, and more were also on the show. Riddle was not advertised ahead of time for the event.

In January, PWInsider reported that Riddle canceled a booking with Memphis Championship Wrestling on the day of the show after having attended Nick Hogan’s wedding the night before. Riddle was also reportedly backstage at Real American Freestyle’s event in Cleveland on Saturday and expressed interest in possibly competing for RAF.

Matt Riddle: Friends in WWE say CM Punk is a ‘b**** to work with’

Matt Riddle isn’t a fan of CM Punk.

On a recent TMZ Sports podcast, the former WWE star called out Punk for being difficult to work with despite being a draw and gaining a massive amount of attention.

“I have good friends on the roster that still say that he’s a b**** to work with,” he said. If he didn’t generate the amount of money and attention that he does, he wouldn’t be there. And kudos to him, the guy packs an arena, he sells tickets, he sells merchandise, and when you look at WWE right now, especially with TKO, right now, they don’t really care about anything else…hands off to him, he’s killing it…he’s staying active, he’s staying busy, and his fans seem to love him. I have no ill will towards the man, I just don’t think he’s good at fighting.”

Riddle also took time to be critical of Punk’s work in the ring.

“I think his better days of wrestling are way behind him,” he said. “And that’s not a knock. I can tell you I’m not getting that much better or faster or stronger. I can tell you he’s definitely not either, especially with all the botches.”

Riddle hasn’t been one to mince words with colleagues, having previously made similar statements regarding Goldberg and Roman Reigns. Following his release from WWE in 2023, he has primarily worked the independent circuit and MLW, where he is their current World Heavyweight Champion.

KENTA to challenge Matt Riddle for MLW World title

The MLW World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line when Matt Riddle and KENTA face each other for the first time ever.

Riddle will defend his MLW World title belt against KENTA at Summer of the Beasts 2025 in New York City on Thursday, June 26. The show is taking place at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens and will air live for free on MLW’s YouTube channel. This is the first match that’s been confirmed.

At MLW SuperFight earlier this year, KENTA defeated Kevin Knight and then declared that he was coming after the MLW World Championship. MLW then uploaded a promo from KENTA this week challenging Riddle for Summer of the Beasts.

Riddle has been champion since January, making three successful title defenses during his reign.

Both Riddle and KENTA are former WWE wrestlers. After several years competing for NJPW, KENTA is now back home in Pro Wrestling NOAH, where he originally became a star early in his career. He wrestles occasionally in the United States for MLW and on the indies.

Since MLW returned as a promotion in 2017, there have been eight wrestlers to hold the World title: Swerve Strickland, Low Ki, Tom Lawlor, Jacob Fatu, Alex Hammerstone, Alex Kane, Satoshi Kojima, and Riddle.

The only other announcement that’s been made for Summer of the Beasts so far is that Tokyo Joshi-Pro wrestler Yuki Kamifuku will make her MLW debut. Her opponent has not been named yet.

Daily Update: WWE notes, Adam Cole, MLW title match

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • What people thought of WrestleMania and Stand & Deliver
  • An in-depth look at WrestleMania
  • Crowd reactions
  • Dwayne Johnson and his role in the show and the entire back story
  • How the John Cena story started and evolved
  • Why the Cena retiring the belt story makes no sense historically
  • Johnson tells his version of what went down
  • Matches that at different points were scheduled for the show and how they changed
  • Show audience
  • Joe Hendry story
  • How much WWE spent on Mania week compared to what AEW spent for Double or Nothing week
  • A look at all the matches and angles
  • Detailed look at how the WWE purchase of AAA went down, the partners, different people comment on what it means, AAA’s history as well as its attempt to expand to the U.S., Lucha Underground, does this effect CMLL, the original When Worlds Collide, how AAA was formed and more
  • The death of Hisashi Shinma, the golden age of New Japan Pro Wrestling, how he first got into wrestling, what he’s credited with as a booker, the rise of Inoki, the first UWF, Universal Lucha Libre, WWE Presidency, Backlund vs. Inoki, Inoki vs. Ali and more
  • A look at the life and career of Steve McMichael
  • CMLL and a week of sellouts including a killer Friday main event
  • WWE NXT Stand & Deliver coverage and poll
  • The life and times of Black Terry
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the wrestling and MMA shows this past week, demos, competition and segments looked at, as well as streaming numbers for Raw
  • Universal tournament ends this week
  • Biggest women’s show of the year this week
  • What’s new with Tetsuya Naito & Bushi
  • Dark Side of the Ring on Billy Graham
  • A look at the Mania week on the indies side including Bloodsport
  • Notes on future AEW PPV shows
  • Kenny Omega on What is the best schedule for wrestlers?
  • Mark Hunt’s case against UFC and Brock Lesnar thrown out
  • Advanced ticket sales to WWE & AEW shows
  • How streaming platform advertising works vs. television
  • Bayley talks her knee injury
  • WWE ID tournaments

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE is promoting John Cena vs. Randy Orton at Backlash with the tagline “One Last Time.” The match is Cena’s first Undisputed WWE Championship defense of his retirement tour, which will conclude in December 2025.
  • Hulk Hogan told Forbes that he felt “disconnected” from John Cena’s heel turn when WWE didn’t follow up on The Rock appearing at Elimination Chamber:
    • At the end of the day, when he turned heel—like the [nWo] storyline, like Eric [Bischoff] said—we set it up, we set up, we set up, then we delivered. And then not only did we deliver, we rolled out with me, Hall and Nash. And that story kept snowballing and snowballing, and we kept getting more evil and evil. And so for me, watching that story with John Cena, when The Rock did the throat thing, cut his throat, and John Cena turned heel, I expected more of the same.
    • And then John Cena came out and there was no Rock, and I just got disconnected at that point, ’cause I was expecting the characters to keep rolling out like we did. So I know everybody’s got movies and obligations and stuff, but it didn’t feel like that big tidal wave coming at you. Like when the nWo took over, man, I even hate to say the word, we just cleaned house and beat everybody’s ass, and we just killed it. All the babyfaces were crying and complaining, and it got really ugly. We were so powerful with that trio.
  • In an interview with Undisputed, Jimmy Hart called Paul Heyman the greatest manager of all time:
    • It’s Paul Heyman. He’s my favorite, and he’s been doing this at such a high level for so long. What he’s doing now is the best stuff in wrestling. He’s putting food on the table for a lot of people in WWE.
    • Paul Heyman, he’s magic. He makes every part of what he’s doing so meaningful. That’s what I tried to do, too–if they were going to paint me yellow, then I brought the paint. Paul is the same way–you have to watch to see what he’s going to do next. He’s a genius.
  • Dakota Kai, who hasn’t wrestled in more than a month, tweeted yesterday: “I miss wrestling and I miss you guys”
  • Kai then followed that up with another post: “Not hurt btw!”
  • WWE uploaded the full IYO SKY & Jordynne Grace vs. Giulia & Roxanne Perez main event from NXT last night.
  • SKY thanked the audience for the reception they gave her on NXT: “What an amazing night!! The NXT universe welcomed me very warmly!! Thank you #WWENXT!!!”
  • On commentary during NXT, Corey Graves acknowledged Meiko Satomura’s retirement and congratulated her on having an unbelievable career.
  • Sol Ruca appeared on the post-NXT edition of Busted Open Radio After Dark.
  • Busted Open and Screen Rant have interviews with Zelina Vega. After winning the WWE Women’s United States title last Friday, Vega told Busted Open that – while in New York – she’s going to the 9/11 Memorial so she can place single’s gold on her late father Michael Trinidad’s name:
    • I am going to the 9/11 Memorial and finally getting to put single’s gold on my dad’s name at the memorial. So I’m very, very excited to finally do that. And, I mean, the thing is, it doesn’t mean that the journey is over in that sense because I still – there’s always a part of you that’s like, ‘I want the World title.’ I do. And I think if anything, this inspires me to show people who I am as a champion. And you kind of have a duty to show them how you can rock with that title too.
    • So it’s nice to be able to finally just do this and have that moment because I’ve wanted it for so, so long.
  • Montez Ford has been announced as one of the inductees for the Boys & Girls Club of America Alumni Hall of Fame class of 2025. Ford said he’s “humbled, grateful, and truly honored” by the induction.
  • WWE uploaded a behind-the-scenes vlog from NXT Stand & Deliver.

Other Wrestling

  • TNT Champion Adam Cole told Comicbook.com that Will Ospreay and Kevin Knight are two of the people he really wants to face in AEW. 
  • Cole praised the work Ricochet is doing as a heel:
    • Unbelievable. I mean, again, when you look at Ricochet, anyone who’s seen Ricochet wrestle, he’s maybe the best athlete I’ve ever seen. Just like an absolute freak of nature. We jokingly in the locker room – we call him an alien. Like, he’s not even a real person. He’s not even a human being. The things he can do [are] just absolutely unbelievable.
    • Clearly one of the best, one of the most athletically gifted guys in the entire world, but getting to see this different side of Ricochet has been so much fun because he’s showing the world what he can bring to the table. Maybe people thought, ‘Oh, ok, cool. He can do all these really, really cool athletic things, and that’s awesome, and we really love that.’ But now he’s showing what a great character he can be. The timing that he has. His aura right now is absolutely unbelievable. So, yeah, Ricochet’s work has been absolutely incredible to watch. It’s been super, super fun. And I’ll tell you what, I may be a good guy, but I’m liking this new side of Ricochet. I am.
  • The Express spoke with Samoa Joe.
  • First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo interviewed Adam Copeland.
  • Billie Starkz noted that she’s only a few classes away from obtaining her associate’s degree: “Exams next week and then Summer break! Three classes away from my associates degree! Woohooo!”
  • TNA announced that we’ll hear from Steve Maclin on this Thursday’s live episode of Impact following his successful International title defense against Eric Young at Rebellion.
  • Matt Riddle will defend his MLW World Heavyweight title against Donovan Dijak at the promotion’s Azteca Lucha show in Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, May 10.
  • Marigold is holding a press conference overnight tonight at 3 a.m. Eastern time.

WrestleCon Supershow live results: Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh, Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean

The annual WrestleCon Supershow as part of WrestleMania week in Las Vegas returns from The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing live on Triller+.

Mickie James returns to action for the first time since September 2024 when she battles Maki Itoh for the first time ever. The 45-year-old James has gone into semi-retirement since departing TNA in October 2023.

In a bout that seems too strange to be true, Minoru Suzuki will go one-on-one with former pro boxer and occasional wrestler Butterbean with former UFC star and former WWE wrestler Dan Severn as special guest enforcer.

Two singles matches will see Mascara Dorada against Ninja Mack, and reigning MLW Champion Matt Riddle against Matt Makowski.

A fun trios bout is also on tap as TMDK’s Zack Sabre Jr., Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste takes on Hechicero, Michael Oku & Flip Gordon.

There will also be a ten-man mystery tag team match.

Our live coverage begins at 6 PM Eastern.

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The WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial SuperShow 2025 with Kurtis Adonis welcoming us to the show, thanking fans on behalf of the family of the late Mark Hitchcock before throwing to a very nice video tribute. Nick Knowledge & Veda Scott are on the call, as the Ten Man Lucha Libre Tag will open the show.

Arez, Latigo, Toxin, El Bendito & Canis Lupus vs. Gravity, Spider Fly, Aero Panther, Fight Panther & El Vengador

(The Lucha multi-man tradition continues for the SuperShow, as this was an action-packed opener to get the crowd going, as they showed respect in the post-match, throwing money into the ring. I wasn’t familiar with everyone involved in this match, but this certainly made me plan on seeking out the work of all the luchadores involved going forward.)

Vengador & Latigo open things up with a series of switches and quick pin attempts until a stand off led to Arez & Fight Panther really pick up the pace, blocking strikes a plenty before both flipped out into a double pose. Toxin in now with Gravity, who got a chant from the crowd before he moonwalked forward into an arm drag. Cazadora arm drag sent Toxin outside and bailed before Gravity could dive. Spider Fly & Latigo jump in, as Spider stood on Latigo’s shoulders, backflipped off into a wild dive. Lupus & Bendito try to attack, but Spider again did a springboard, but was caught and flung in mid-air. It was a 5 on 1 beat down on Gravity, who tried to make the save for his partner, as Latigo hit a launching senton for two. Vengador was lit up with chops before he finally turned the tide with a double handspring cutter and enzugiri to break free and tag Aero, who hit a TKO/DDT combo.

Aero & Fight Panther showed off their athleticism with wild double dives on Bendito & Lupus, as back inside, Arez, Latigo & Toxin hit a triple dropkick on Vengador. Spider & Gravity flew in with double arm drags that led to double dives, as Spider Fly just made it, narrowly avoiding clipping the apron on the way down. Vengador hit a crazy pop-up flipping Awful Waffle for a near fall on Arez, as locomotion corner attacks ultimately led to Lupus hitting a pop-up Code Breaker. 5-way superkick attempt was dodged, as the Panther brothers hit a Torture Rack into a flipping Code Breaker for two. Everyone fought for a suplex, which led to Arez & Spider climbing on the pile and hitting a corkscrew suplex onto everyone in a great looking spot.

Team Gravity went up to all four corners and hit stereo dives until Bendito put on the brakes, lost his footing for his initial dive attempt, but got it eventually. Lupus planted Fight Panther with a spinning sitout avalanche slam from the corner, as Aero made the save and hit a dive onto a pile outside. Toxin connected on a pumphandle neckbreaker, Arez followed a top rope double stomp on Spider to get the win.

Match Result: Arez, Latigo, Toxin, El Bendito & Canis Lupus defeated Gravity, Spider Fly, Aero Panther, Fight Panther & El Vengador

-Kurtis Adonis welcomed special ambassador Sean Mooney (who simply does not age) to the ring. Mooney said this show is always full of surprises, thanks the fans for being here and plugs his signings at WrestleCon and the WrestleMania 9 documentary on Peacock.

Ninja Mack vs. Mascara Dorada

(A lot shorter of a match than you’d expect, but they delivered on exactly what you’d hope, flips in droves. This almost felt like an appetizer of what these two were capable of against each other, but I assume both have more matches this Mania weekend.)

Much different start to this match than you’d expect, with lock-ups and armbars aplenty. The pace quickens, as both did handstands into backflip head scissors into a stalemate. Test of strength led to Dorada pulling Mack up to the top, neither letting go, until Dorada tried a super rana, only Mack landed on his feet. Both trade pin attempts and kip up into another stalemate. Pump kick sent Dorada outside, as Mack tried a double handspring flip outside, which Dorada side stepped and hit a corkscrew dive of his own. Up the stage they went, as Dorada hit a wild hurricanrana, sending Mack tumbling down the stairs. Big time air off the stage by Dorada, clearing three rows of chairs and fans.

Back inside, Mack connected on a desperation kick to regain control followed with a series of sunset flip attempts for near falls. Dorada floated over, tried a piledriver, Mack escaped into a sit-out powerbomb for two. No water in the pool, as Mack crashed and burned on a 630, as Dorada capitalized with a spinning facebuster, going up and hitting a Shooting Star Press for the win.

Match Result: Mascara Dorada defeated Ninja Mack

TJP vs. Cheeseburger vs. 1 Called Manders vs. Vaughn Vertigo vs. Mike D Vecchio vs. Super Crazy vs. ? in a Lucky #7 Sin City Scramble

Scramble rules, as every 2 minutes, a new competitor will enter the match, but no pins or submissions until everyone has entered. Vertigo & TJP start things off, as we get an exchange of head scissors, as Vertigo ultimately tried a pin attempt and the ref made the count, so I guess those rules are out the window already? Super Crazy was in 3rd and got a nice ovation before hitting a twisting elbow drop on Vertigo before folding him up like a pretzel. TJP broke it up, but was hit with another Crazy elbow drop for his troubles. Mike D Vecchio in 4th and quickly showed off his skills with a huge lariat turning Vertigo inside out and sprung out the corner to take out TJP. Vecchio connected on a stalling vertical suplex on TJP, who was saved by Vertigo and both dropped Vecchio with a double suplex. Fresh off his tour and Unified World Wrestling Title win in wXw, 1 Called Manders is 5th, as he & Vecchio collided like two bulls. Vertigo avoided an Oklahoma Stampede and hit a Swanton onto the back, but Vecchio returned to wipe Vertigo out. Crazy returned and hit a moonsault to the floor, until Vecchio one-upped him with a Shooting Star onto the pile. Cheeseburger in 6th to a huge ovation as Vecchio gave him free shots and Cheeseburger took them. Misdirect thrust kick led to a variation of Shotei’s handed out to everyone.

TJP & Cheeseburger slowly raise to their feet until lucky number 7 is Danhausen, who walks out with his jar of teeth. Many fans cheered Danhausen, but there were some boos as well. Danhausen tried to curse Cheeseburger, who fought off giving a Shotei to himself, as TJP tried a Tornado DDT, but Danhausen hit a Northern Lights into the corner. Danhausen hurt his own hand trying to chop Vecchio, so a foot stomp and dropkick was successful. Vertigo ate a GTS, as Danhausen cursed Manders, who collided with Vertigo and sent outside. Danhausen dumped the jar of teeth into Vertigo’s mouth, hit a pump kick and won the match.

Match Result: Danhausen defeated Vertigo to win the Scramble

Matt Riddle vs. Matt Mako

(I feared this would be strictly a comedy match with all the Matt chants in the early going, but it turned into a nice hard hitting back and forth battle. Mako put up a strong fight in this, as he had a series of near falls and submissions, but it was not meant to be.)

Matt Forever and One More Matt chants from the crowd to start, as both scramble on the mat, Riddle wanting a cross-arm breaker, but Mako was able to grapevine the leg into a pin attempt for two. Let’s Go Matt & You Suck Matt dueling chants confuse the competitors, as Mako ramps up the kick battle first, but switches to chops, busting the chest of Riddle open. Mako countered a chop into a spinning arm breaker, forcing Riddle to scramble to the ropes. Both exchange stiff forearms and chops until Riddle hits a gut wrench suplex and series of brotons. Fisherman Buster spiked Mako for two, as Riddle started a Matt chant, which only caused Mako to hulk up with forearms.

After the ref backed off Mako in the corner, Riddle was able to lock in a triangle in the ropes, before hitting a series of flying forearms and overhead throws. Riddle took Mako up in the corner for an Avalanche Fisherman’s Buster, as Mako is busted open pretty good under the eye. Flowing Bro twisting senton connected, but Mako kicked out. Riddle went for it again, but was cut off by Mako, who hit a Spanish Fly into a cross-arm breaker in mid-air. Riddle kicked his way free and hit the Gotch Style Tombstone for the win.

Match Result: Matt Riddle defeated Matt Mako

Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh

(I thought this would be a lot better, but whatever the heck that middle portion of this was, didn’t really do James any favors, as it just randomly turned her heel. Once they got going, it was ok, but that middle did a number on the fans and they didn’t seem to be all that into it going forward.)

Itoh sang and danced her way to the ring, as both she & James received strong ovations, but Itoh refused a handshake. Both trade takedowns and headlocks, as Itoh escaped a head scissors into a Cutest in the World pose. James easily won the test of strength and stomped on Itoh’s fingers before they exchanged wrist locks and standing switches into the stalemate. James again wanted a handshake, but Itoh refused, so James grabbed the mic. James said people came to wrestling to see some wrestling, but guys and girls in the back are looking for their 5-star notice. James said Meltzer has never put her over and won’t tonight, as she entertains. James said she hasn’t wrestled in a year, then did a weird shuffle and sort of put over Itoh as a Hardcore Pop Star. James told Itoh the fans wanted a sing-off, which only got a little applause, call me crazy, but I think they want wrestling?

Itoh took the mic and sang for the crowd acapella. She passed the mic to James, who had no idea what Itoh said, but assumes it was awesome. James did a version of her theme song insulting Itoh and got booed, as it was pretty bad, so she cracked Itoh with the mic in the throat (not sure how that wasn’t a DQ?). James hit a series of running boots, as Itoh flips her off, so James drove her into the buckle, which Itoh kept no selling. Itoh fired off a headbutt of her own and hit the Kokeshi for two. Itoh hit the face wash in the corner and hit a top rope cross body for another near fall. James countered a DDT into a flapjack, but missed a top rope Thesz Press, allowing Itoh to sink in a half crab. James pulled the hair to escape, so Itoh bit at the fingers, no sold a Mick Kick into a rolling headbutt. James escaped a fireman’s carry, they trade near falls, James hits a thrust kick and awkward DDT to win. James flipped off Itoh for good measure.

Match Result: Mickie James defeated Maki Itoh

Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean – Special Enforcer: Dan Severn

(Was this good, absolutely not, it was a trainwreck, but if you knew even half of the health issues Butterbean has gone through in recent years, this was incredible he was even able to do this amount. That said, give Minoru Suzuki all the awards possible, as he sold his ass off the best that he could. The highlight of this was the way too brief stare-down with Suzuki & Don Frye, which could be the best part of this entire show so far, hell, maybe the entire weekend.)

The Entourage of Rick Bassman, Tom Howard & Don Frye accompany Butterbean to the ring. Commentary reminds us that Butterbean is the reason we thankfully don’t do the Brawl for All anymore after he KO’d Bart Gunn at Wrestlemania 15 in 35 seconds. This match will be done in rounds, as Suzuki no sold some midsection shots before trading chops. Body shots from Butterbean until the end of the round, but Suzuki didn’t let go and Severn finally stepped in.

Round 2 was only 2 minutes, as Suzuki got a single leg takedown, as both held onto heel hooks for the majority of the round until time wound down. 60 second rest period we’re told, as Butterbean starts throwing shots to the midsection and Suzuki flew back to the corner. Suzuki pulled Butterbean to the outside and the two slugged it out until Suzuki grabbed a chair and Butterbean’s Entourage stepped in. Suzuki went back to the ring, but we’re told Severn counted both men out of the ring, the crowd was booing loudly.

Post-match, Severn & Bassman held back Butterbean as we got a briefly awesome face-off with Frye & Suzuki. The crowd chanted One More Round, as both men wanted it. Severen reminded the ring announcer it was a double count-out, which, again, got loud boos. That was just it, Butterbean’s music played and he walked to the back with his crew.

Match Result: Minoru Suzuki & Butterbean went to a double count-out

TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr., Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste) vs. Flip Gordon, Hechicero & Michael Oku (w/Amira)

(This action-packed main event was obviously match of the night, as everyone got in their time in. The only person to get booed at any point during the match was Gordon as the match went on, but I didn’t think he did anything actually wrong, his stuff looked good, as did everyone else’s. The fans got their Sabre & Hechicero interactions and we seemed to get a little Oku & Sabre tease to close the show.)

Bad Dude & Oku dueling chants from the crowd to start, but it was Oku who won an early exchange over Haste. Tito & Gordon in for a chop battle, until Gordon tried a Lionsault, was caught and mowed down by a Tito shoulder tackle. Sabre tagged in and called out Hechicero, who gladly obliged, taking Sabre down and wrenching the leg after escaping a key lock. The counters are fast and frequent, as Hechicero had a visible pin on a head scissors, but the ref never caught it. Sabre looked for a cross-arm breaker, but Hecichero escaped into a surfboard variation. Sabre easily escaped and stomped down onto the elbow violently. Hechicero backed Sabre into his corner, zoning in on Sabre’s left leg before tagging in Oku. Quickly up top, Sabre dodged a dive and clipped the leg during a leap frog attempt, allowing TMDK to make fast tags, keeping Oku grounded.

Haste punted at the shoulder of Oku before doing a Rick Rude hip swivel, as Tito followed with a slingshot senton and short arm lariat for two. Blind tag from Sabre, who lit up Oku with uppercuts, as Haste was back in to pick up the pieces. Oku fought his way free out of the corner and laid out Haste with a Tornado DDT that led to a Gordon hot tag, which was more lukewarm, as there wasn’t much of a reaction. Whole bunch of flips led to a springboard missile dropkick and springing side kick to Haste. Rolling fireman’s carry and moonsault for a near fall, as Haste fought back with a pump kick and a Falcon Arrow variation.

Tito makes the tag and cleans house, taking out Gordon with a huge dive. Back inside, Tito hit a Frog Splash for a near fall, but Gordon answered with a springboard Sling Blade and got booed for it. Hechicero tagged in with a running knee in the corner, but took too long to follow-up, allowing Tito to hit a combo of kicks that led to Sabre returning. Both countered each other so much, as Hechicero avoided the Euro Clutch and got a rolling cradle of his own for two. Both exchange heavy shots until Oku tagged in, was quickly flipped over, as Sabre wanted a Euro Clutch, Oku countered and sank in the half crab, but Sabre got the ropes.

Both up, as Sabre slapped the hell out of Oku, who faked a slap, but opted for a punt to the legs in response. Sabre answered by snapping the neck between his feet, but tried another and Oku countered with a dragon screw. Romero Special from Hechicero, as both Gordon & Oku hit a double face buster, as Gordon followed with a Lionsault for two. The match broke down, as Sabre countered a twisting Sling Blade into a cross-arm breaker, but Oku flew in with a Frog Splash. Haste & Tito tried a double press slam, but Oku countered into a double DDT. Gordon took out Sabre with a dive, Hechicero followed with one on Tito & Haste, as Oku finished with a Fosbury Flop. Gordon missed a 450 on Sabre back inside, as Sabre scrambled and violently snapped the arm back, causing Gordon to tap.

Post-match, Sabre shook hands with Hechicero & Gordon, but Oku wasn’t so accepting, as Sabre had his eye on Oku’s RevPro title, putting it on Oku’s shoulder before leaving.

Match Result: TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr., Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste) defeated Flip Gordon, Hechicero & Michael Oku

Matt Riddle: Working with Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn was ‘difficult’

Matt Riddle commented on several of his former WWE co-workers in a new interview with Going Ringside released on Monday.

When asked about his toughest opponent in WWE, Riddle said Sheamus hit the hardest but he found working with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens the most difficult.

“Hardest opponent in the ring, I would have to say Sheamus,” Riddle said. “Sheamus is easy to work with, hits really hard.”

“But then when I think about who’s harder to maybe work with, I would have to say Sami Zayn or Kevin Owens because they’re just—it’s hard to put a complete sentence together with those guys, if you know what I’m saying.”

“They were difficult. Sheamus hits you hard, but it’s easy to put together.”

Riddle also spoke about Bill Goldberg in the interview, referring to him as “Willy G.”

“William, Willie G is how I like to refer to him. Willie G, I hope everything’s good,” Riddle continued. “You’re in your mansion in Texas, your bank account is definitely way bigger than mine, especially now since I’ve been fired. But let’s be real, bro, at the end of the day, I’d whoop that ass 10 times out of 10, maybe even 11 times out of 10. You know it, your kids know it, your family knows it, the universe knows it.”

Riddle also mentioned that if Vince McMahon started a new wrestling company, he’d be interested in working for him.

“Through the grapevine I’ve heard Vince might have another company,” he said.

When asked if he would be interested in working with McMahon, Riddle responded, “Oh, I’m interested in anybody, bro. I’m an independent contractor. Unlike when I was under contract with WWE, I can actually work anywhere and wherever I want, when I want, for how much money I want.”

Last month, rumors regarding McMahon starting a wrestling company began after comments made by Conrad Thompson and Eric Bischoff on the 83 Weeks podcast. Thompson said he’d heard rumblings that McMahon had met with camera operators experienced in pro wrestling and that Fox could be holding a spot for a potential McMahon-run promotion. Fox later issued a statement to The Athletic denying their involvement in such a project.

“There is a report that Vince McMahon might start a wrestling company with Fox as a partner. If McMahon is planning that or not, I don’t know, but the Fox part is not true, according to a network spokesman,” Andrew Marchand wrote.

In October, PWInsider reported that McMahon is planning to launch an entertainment company but is not looking to start a wrestling promotion or compete with WWE.

Riddle’s full appearance on Going Ringside is available below.

Matt Riddle to defend MLW World title in triple threat at Super Fight 6

Matt Riddle’s first defense of the MLW World Heavyweight Championship has been announced. 

On Monday, MLW officially confirmed that Riddle will face former champions Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane in a triple-threat match at SuperFight 6 on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The event will take place at Center Stage in Atlanta, and air live on YouTube. 

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1878837930510487979

Riddle defeated Kojima to win the title on Saturday at Kings of Colosseum 2025 in Dallas. After the match, the new champion mentioned wanting to defend the title against Alex Kane, who was recently fired by MLW General Manager Eric Bischoff, in storyline. 

When asked who he wants to defend the MLW World title against at SuperFight, Riddle responded:

“Well, you know, bro, I think I’m going to freestyle this one, and I know he’s recently been fired, unjustly, and he hasn’t had a world title shot in over a year. And he’s standing right here to my left…”

Kane then entered the scene and told Riddle he doesn’t deserve to hold the title. 

“I’ll be honest, I strongly disagree; I’m the King of Bros,” Riddle responded to Kane. “I just did something you couldn’t do. I just beat Kojima-san, bro. And that’s why I’m the MLW Heavyweight World Champion.”

Kojima then entered the press conference and stated he wants a rematch for the title he just lost. 

“I want rematch,” Kojima said repeatedly. 

“I got a perfect solution, I’ll take you both on, bro, see you there,” Riddle responded. 

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1878348349037842780

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1878348349037842780