Matt Riddle did it. We all know the stories of Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, CM Punk, Bobby Lashley, Shayna Baszler and more crossing to and from the cage to the squared circle and back again. The thing is Riddle’s story may be crazier than them all.
We said this before but Riddle hustled from the day the UFC fired him, while on a four fight winning streak, to his first indie match back in 2015. Now Riddle is signed by the WWE and set to begin taking part in the company’s NXT promotion next month.
What a wild ride bro.
After testing positive for marijuana, Riddle was fired by the UFC in 2013. The 26-year-old took one more MMA fight for Titan FC, won it, then set his sights on the indie wrestling. From welterweight MMA prospect to indie wrestling star, was always good to be a tough hill to climb for Riddle.
But he did it the old fashion way, hard work, improving his craft and hustle. Thanks to a new film by EVOLVE and WWN, Riddle’s time on the indie scene is officially chronicled.
During one scene in the movie, Riddle talks about the decision to leave MMA for pro wrestling, and the weight of the life pivoting move hits you right in the feels. A Bro to Sleep right to the heart.
Congrats to Matt Riddle on his signing with the WWE and its now fully possible we see a WWE card featuring him, Rousey, Lesnar, Lashley and Baszler all in big spots. Embrace that MMA-pro wrestling connection, don’t run from it bros.
Check out the full Matt Riddle short film by Kenny Johnson below
