Latest news with #MLW
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Solving the Riddle: Nearly 2 years after WWE release, Matt Riddle is 'having the best time of my life'
In five-plus years with WWE, Matt Riddle became one of the most popular superstars on the roster. Despite having a legitimate combat sports pedigree, his laid-back, surfer/stoner persona came to be what defined him as a professional wrestler, allowing him to reach remarkable heights, particularly during his time in the 'RKBro' tag team with Randy Orton. Yet there was never a moment from 2018-23 where he truly broke through to become a 'top guy.' Now, nearly two years since being released by WWE after a series of failed drug tests and an incident at JFK airport, Riddle has managed to capture that elusive spot at the top of the card with a major wrestling company, ascending to become MLW's World Heavyweight Champion in his return to the promotion. Advertisement 'It's been fun,' Riddle told Uncrowned ahead of his latest title defense this Thursday at MLW's Summer of the Beasts event. 'I know I can run with the ball, but it's nice to actually be passed the ball to be able to fulfill dreams and aspirations I've had my whole life. You give me the ball, I'm going to run with it and not stop. I've been loving this run. I can't speak more highly of MLW because they have had my back before and now after WWE. They've always had a vision.' Riddle is far from the first athlete to enter the world of professional wrestling with a combat sports background. Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Bobby Lashley and Ken Shamrock are just a handful of the big names who have competed in both pro wrestling and the cage. Yet there's a major difference between them and Riddle, who sports an 8-3 record with two no contests as a professional MMA fighter. Advertisement When they broke into — or returned to — pro wrestling, and during their most successful runs, those aforementioned fighters were presented in a more serious (read: dangerous) light for their on-screen personas. It's a tried and true formula that the best gimmicks in wrestling have more than a smidge of truth to them — they're the star's natural disposition, cranked up to 100. In WWE, Riddle was more comedic relief than killer, which worked particularly well in tag-teams with Orton or Pete Dunne. But MLW unlocking the proper balance for Riddle has been key to his success as a singles performer. 'The big thing, and this happened when I worked with WWE, is they really dumbed my character down,' Riddle said. 'Maybe they did it so I am more relatable to kids or it's what they thought would work with their audience. Even when I was in NXT, I was more of a killer with the UFC background and a top guy while also being entertaining. While they did a good job, I think MLW does the best job because they let me be goofy, [let me have] fun with the Filthy Bros and my opponents, but they also respect me, know my legit background and understand I'm a threat in and out of the ring. With that, I love it because I still get to be a goofball while also being a killer, which is basically what I am in real life.' Matt Riddle's MMA background is being put to good use in the ring. (Photo courtesy of MLW) Naturally, there's a win-win to having Riddle at the top of the MLW card, and it goes beyond his character work or skillset inside the ring. There's the added marketing buzz or social media sizzle that comes with Riddle having worked in WWE for half a decade, raising his profile and, in turn, creating opportunities for himself as he returned to the independent wrestling scene following his release. Advertisement 'The biggest twist or change for me was before, I was just an independent wrestler or a superstar,' Riddle said. 'Once I had the machine behind me with WWE and I came back, the way I'm handled is a lot different and that's because people have seen me on TV and wrestling big shows like WrestleMania. The pay has been way different, that's been a huge change. I used to get paid $50 a match — I don't get paid that any more, so that's good. The hardest thing is trying to keep the schedule full and every place you work may have different intentions with you. I know with MLW, they hold me in high regard.' Considering his elevated name coming from WWE, it would have been easy for MLW to capitalize immediately by putting the championship around Riddle's waist. Instead, promotion founder Court Bauer and MLW waited a year before crowning Riddle. It's a move that ran counter to what Riddle says he's seen more and more on the independent wrestling scene, with fans clamoring for instant gratification in a Netflix generation. 'When you're running a show, you can listen to the fans, give them what they want, but you can't let the fans hold your company hostage and make decisions for you," he said. "Once you start doing that, you start to lose control. I feel like on the independent scene, I've seen that more often than I would like. Unfortunately, those fans aren't the ones buying tickets. Sometimes it's good to make fans wait. I think the bigger wrestling companies, like MLW, do an excellent job of making fans wait. I didn't come in on my very first day and win the world title. It took me a year to win it, and that's even after wrestling for them years prior to WWE. The chase and then the payoff mean something.' Riddle is one of the latest examples of former WWE talent finding sustained success after leaving the wrestling giant. Cody Rhodes and Matt Cardona returned to the independent circuit after departing WWE and rose to immense and unprecedented success, with the former going as far to become a founding member of AEW — WWE's primary competitor — before returning as arguably the biggest draw in the business. Advertisement After Riddle was released in September 2023, the decision to stay active and involved in wrestling was an obvious one. Despite the aforementioned success of Rhodes, Cardona and many others who found new life outside of WWE, Riddle knew his path needed to be different. Matt Riddle recently captured the MLW World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in his career. (Photo courtesy of MLW) 'I really enjoy and love wrestling. I love making people happy. For me, it was a no-brainer to continue,' Riddle said. 'When we talk about asking for peoples' advice, I do and I don't like to. I ask for everybody's input, but a lot like learning techniques in fighting or jiu-jitsu, I like to absorb everything and take bits and pieces of it. I'd recommend that for anybody looking to make it in pro wrestling. No one's journey in pro wrestling is the same. I wouldn't recommend anybody do what I do. It works for me, but it's also the MMA pedigree I bring to the table and my personality and how I carry myself that makes it attractive in some light. When anybody ever asks me for advice, I just say be yourself because nobody is you.' As much as Riddle's authenticity can be an asset, it has gotten him some high-profile heat in the wrestling world. A quick internet search will unearth squabbles with Roman Reigns, Lesnar and Bill Goldberg in the past, all of which have been squashed to varying degrees. Even recently, Riddle made waves in the wrestling world by calling CM Punk, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens 'hard to work with.' Advertisement 'I will say this, I come from a world of mixed martial arts, I've wrestled in college, I've been in plenty of fights,' Riddle explained. 'My thing is, I am now in the world of sports entertainment, and if I say something that ruffles your feathers or upsets you, you should probably take it with a grain of salt. If I talk trash and it's on the internet or something like that, it's usually because I am just trying to ruffle feathers. There's nothing wrong with that, especially in a world where I'm trying to make people believe things. Maybe they're true, maybe they're not. Maybe it's my real opinion, maybe it's not.' Riddle will make his next MLW World Heavyweight Championship defense on Thursday in New York City, where he'll go up against Japanese wrestling legend KENTA for the first time. It's an exciting proposition for Riddle to put on a Japanese shoot-style match, considering how much emphasis he has put on his MMA background. 'I personally love it. It doesn't get much better than this,' Riddle said. 'I get a chance to defend my championship against him. On multiple levels it's awesome and outstanding. All of the Japanese guys I train with, wrestled with, know what I have done in the past and how legitimate I am. We do professional wrestling, but Japanese style and my style is what I like to call 'sport wrestling.' I think it's going to bring fireworks, we're going to hit each other hard and bring it.' In a never-say-never business like professional wrestling, a WWE return is never something that can truly be ruled out for anyone, including Riddle. Regardless of the outcome of his match against KENTA, this recent run with MLW has shown that Riddle has finally figured out how to unlock his best in the squared circle. 'For me, I don't know if [the goal is] as much trying to make it back as it is getting to be the authentic character that I am and have fun,' Riddle said. 'Right now, I'm probably having the best time of my life, and it's amazing.'
New York Post
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Ex-WWE star Shotzi Blackheart gets candid with The Post about signing with MLW
Shotzi Blackheart has had eyes on MLW for years and is finally getting to cross a major item off her wrestling bucket list. The former WWE star, who was released in May, has signed with Court Bauer's company and will debut at Summer of the Beasts at Queens' Melrose Ballroom on Thursday night, which will also see Matt Riddle defend the MLW world championship against Kenta in the main event. (9 p.m., YouTube). MLW, which has teased Blackheart's arrival, has been on her radar as a company to work for even before she had her first indie match in 2014. In her eyes, the promotion has also been 'stacked' with talent and now is no different with Riddle, Kenta, Kushida and Bishop Dyer. MLW is trying to do the same with the women's division, led by Salina de la Renta, which only added its Women's World Featherweight championship in May 2022. Blackheart wants to be a driving force in the division's rise.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From MLW to WWE – how Jacob Fatu became wrestling's big name
Jacon Fatu (Image via WWE) Jacob Fatu is one of the most exciting stars in WWE . He comes from the famous Anoa'i family, which includes Roman Reigns, The Usos , and Solo Sikoa. But before coming to WWE, Jacob had already built a strong name for himself. He is known as 'The Samoan Werewolf' and has a very intense and powerful wrestling style. His journey hasn't been simple. He faced tough times when he was younger, including time in jail. But wrestling changed his life. He trained hard, improved himself, and made a big mark in other wrestling companies before finally joining WWE. The time when Jacob Fatu's WWE debut surprised everyone Jacob Fatu made his WWE debut on the June 21, 2024, episode of SmackDown. It was right after WWE came back from an event in Scotland. On that night, Fatu surprised everyone by attacking Cody Rhodes , Randy Orton , and Kevin Owens . This shocking moment showed fans how dangerous and strong he is. He joined Solo Sikoa 's 'New Bloodline' group, along with Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Fans loved Fatu's unique mix of strength, speed, and wild energy. He had his first match at Money in the Bank 2024 with Sikoa and Tonga. They beat Rhodes, Orton, and Owens in a six-man tag team match. Fatu helped get the win by pulling the referee back into the ring to count the pin. Later, Fatu and Tonga won the WWE Tag Team Titles by defeating Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Fatu hit a big moonsault to get the win. Although he later gave the title to Tonga Loa to focus on being Sikoa's enforcer, fans had already seen how skilled and tough he was. FULL MATCH: Jacob Fatu attacks Cody Rhodes: SmackDown highlights, June 21, 2024 Fatu also started a solo rivalry with Braun Strowman and entered the 2025 Royal Rumble. He eliminated four stars, including Strowman. After beating him in a Last Man Standing match, Fatu earned a spot at WrestleMania 41, where he will face LA Knight for the United States Title. His transition from MLW to WWE Before WWE, Jacob Fatu was one of the top stars in Major League Wrestling (MLW). He joined MLW in 2019 and became World Heavyweight Champion, holding the title for 819 days. He led the powerful group Contra Unit and beat top wrestlers like LA Park and Davey Boy Smith Jr. After losing the title in 2021, Fatu began wrestling on his own. In 2023, he won the National Openweight Championship and finished his time in MLW in early 2024. He also had one match in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but could not travel much due to past legal issues. In February 2024, his uncle Rikishi announced he was a free agent. After that, fans quickly heard rumors about him joining WWE. Due to travel issues, he stayed off TV for a while, but once WWE returned to the U.S., Fatu made his big debut. All will be forgiven if Jacob Fatu says those special words to Solo Sikoa 😳 #SmackDown Jacob Fatu's WWE journey has just begun, but he has already made a big impact. From surprise attacks to title wins, he is proving himself every week. At WrestleMania 41, he has a huge chance to show the world what he is truly made of. Also Read: WWE SmackDown preview and streaming details (06/13/25): Full match card, confirmed segments, how to watch, start timings, and more
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Report: Former Champion Departing MLW
It appears that MLW is set to lose one of its most dominant stars. This afternoon, former MLW World Women's Featherweight Champion Janai Kai got the wrestling world talking when she took to social media to thank the company, tweeting out: Advertisement 'Thank you MLW. *Japanese Ogre emoji* *100 emoji* What a time. – The Kick Demon,' Janai Kai said in a post. This post immediately led to speculation online regarding her status with Major League Wrestling. A short time later, a new report suggests that her time with the company has come to an end. According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select), Janai Kai is leaving MLW as her contract will be expiring without renewal. Sapp was also told that we'll be seeing more departures from MLW in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to WrestleZone for more information on these impending MLW departures as it becomes available. Advertisement READ MORE: Janai Kai: As Long As Fans Feel Something Watching Me Wrestling, That's What Means A Lot What do you make of this overall report? Are you surprised that Janai Kai is leaving Major League Wrestling after a very successful run? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Report: Former Champion Departing MLW appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Salina de la Renta Earns New Title In MLW
Salina de la Renta is one the most popular personas in Major League Wrestling. Her 'father', Cesar Duran, is the President of MLW. Now, he has named her the new Vice President of Wrestler Relations in MLW. Recently, at the MLW War Chamber 2025 special event, the MLW President, Cesar Duran addressed the crowd. He claimed that it is time to take MLW to the next level. In order to do so, he needed someone in his corner that he can trust. Thus he picked his daughter, Salina de la Renta, to be the Vice President of Wrestler Relations. Advertisement 'Azteca Lucha… what a triumph,' proclaimed Durán. 'CMLL hosting a sold out Arena Mexico to MLW selling out Chicago! The world saw exactly what happens when we control the chaos. But now, as President of Major League Wrestling, it's time to take this to the next level. And to do that… I need someone I trust. That's why I'm naming you the new Vice President of Wrestler Relations,' Cesar Duran said. Salina de la Renta replied by saying that, 'Finally the crown fits.' Janai Kai appreciates having Salina de la Renta in MLW WrestleZone recently spoke with Janai Kai about her time in MLW. When she first joined MLW, Kai was aligned with the Promociones Dorado stable led by Salina de la Renta, who also was the Creative Director of the MLW Women's Division at that time. Advertisement 'It's been really great, working with her. When I first came in, she was more like my manager. That's made me actually feel comfortable coming in, so I didn't really feel alone. So, I appreciated her just being there throughout that time. And then obviously, she had a baby and everything. She got pregnant, she just had her baby, but she still keeps an eye on us,' Kai explained. Kai said she benefited a great deal from working with de la Renta. Specifically, Kai appreciates de la Renta being a strong female authority figure who also helped her with many 'wrestling-adjacent' aspects of her career. 'In women's wrestling, we don't really get a lot of that, a female figure to really watch over us in the business or for a lot of shows in general. So, I've really appreciated her with that,' Kai added. 'She is very educated and knowledgable of not only the business, but a lot of other things alongside with it — social Media, PR, and all of that. So, there are certain things that she would mention that were very helpful for me when it came to the marketing and stuff, really showcasing more of that character side.' Kai announced she was leaving MLW in May. Advertisement Read More: Did You Know There's a Luchador-Themed Tequila? What are your thoughts on Salina de la Renta becoming the new Vice President or Wrestler relations? The post Salina de la Renta Earns New Title In MLW appeared first on Wrestlezone.
