WWE and UFC alumnus Matt Riddle was in attendance at the Fighters Only World MMA Awards earlier this week.
During an interview with MMAJunkie at the event, Riddle stated that he could potentially resume his MMA career later next year.
Riddle is advertised for several wrestling events in 2024. The Original Bro was released from his WWE contract this past September and will become a free agent tomorrow.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On talking to promotions on an MMA return: “There’s been a lot of talk. I’ve been talking to a couple of promotions. I don’t want to get into it until it’s official, but I think in 2024 there’s a very big possibility that I get back in the ring or cage pretty soon.”
On his firing from the UFC by Dana White: “I have to thank Dana, because if he were to just fire me and not say anything, nobody probably would’ve knew about me. Putting me on blast and doing that, I think a lot of people could relate with me. They probably had their parents or their boss talk to them like that. I think that’s kind of where that ‘bro’ character kind of started. Making my way through pro wrestling wasn’t easy, too, especially with the stigma as being that guy who got fired. I think every good journey needs a good story of ups and downs, just like a good pro wrestling match.”
On having unfinished business in MMA: “Maybe this is a bad theory or bad idea, but I feel like you’ve got to get beat up to leave, you know? 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. 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?”
On if returning to MMA or wrestling is more likely in 2024: “(Which is) more likely? Probably a ring. I’d like to get back in the cage, but we’ll see what happens.”
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Former WWE and UFC star Matt Riddle has hinted at a potential return to MMA in 2024. Riddle, who was in attendance at the Fighters Only World MMA Awards, revealed in an interview with MMAJunkie that he has been in talks with several promotions and there is a “very big possibility” of him stepping back into the ring or cage next year.
Riddle, also known as “The Original Bro,” was released from his WWE contract in September and will become a free agent soon. Despite being advertised for several wrestling events in 2024, it seems that Riddle is considering a comeback to his MMA roots.
During the interview, Riddle expressed gratitude towards UFC President Dana White for firing him and putting him on blast. He believes that the public attention he received as a result of his firing helped him gain popularity and connect with fans. Riddle sees his journey through pro wrestling as a challenge, especially with the stigma of being the guy who got fired. He believes that every good journey needs ups and downs, just like a good pro wrestling match.
Riddle also mentioned that he feels he has unfinished business in MMA. He left the UFC on a four-fight win streak and went on to win another fight in Titan FC before transitioning to pro wrestling. However, he still wants to experience getting beat up and have a proper exit from the sport. Whether he continues winning or someone beats him up, Riddle is open to both possibilities.
When asked about the likelihood of returning to either MMA or wrestling in 2024, Riddle expressed that returning to the ring is more probable. While he would like to get back in the cage, he is uncertain about what the future holds.
It remains to be seen whether Riddle will make a comeback to MMA or continue his career in pro wrestling. Fans will have to wait and see what decision he ultimately makes. In the meantime, wrestling enthusiasts can stay updated with all the latest news on eWrestlingNews.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Overall, Riddle’s potential return to MMA has generated excitement among fans who are eager to see him back in action. Whether he chooses to step back into the cage or continue his wrestling career, Riddle’s journey is sure to be filled with ups and downs, just like any good story in the world of sports entertainment.