Latest news with #Riddle
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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.'
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Matt Riddle launches ‘brOnlyFans' with King of Bros energy and a $20 price tag
Matt Riddle launches 'brOnlyFans' with King of Bros energy and a $20 price tag (Image Source: Getty) Matt Riddle, a former WWE wrestler, has launched his own OnlyFans page called 'brOnlyFans.' He shared the news on Twitter with a fun video, saying, "I'm here to tell everyone that the OnlyFans, the brOnlyFans, is finally dropping tonight. Some say it's Father's Day, but I say it's Daddy's Day. So if you wanna see me, and maybe more, subscribe. Link's in the bio, bro." Fans are excited about this new step. Matt Riddle's new brOnlyFans page is live Matt Riddle, known as the "King of Bros," started his OnlyFans account on June 16, 2025. He posted a Twitter video in a fancy Versace robe to share the news. The page costs $20 a month and already has a few posts. Riddle has been talking about joining OnlyFans since 2023. His fans love his fun and open personality, so they're curious about his content. After leaving WWE in 2023, he's free to try new things. Some wonder if this will make him a lot of money, but his charm might bring many fans. He still wrestles with Major League Wrestling, but this page is a new way to reach fans. It's a chance for him to show his unique style and connect with people directly. Also Read: "Fans got him back" - Shotzi Blackheart shares her thoughts about R-Truth's V"VE return A new path after WWE departure Since leaving WWE in 2023, Matt Riddle has been busy with different projects to show who he is. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He wrestles in Major League Wrestling and even beat a strong wrestler named Jacob Fatu. He also created his cannabis product called Riddle OG and plans to make more. Riddle is dating adult film star Misha Montana, and they're expecting a baby, which might explain his comfort with bold projects. His OnlyFans page fits his habit of sharing playful posts online. Many female wrestlers have done well on OnlyFans, and now Riddle is seeing if male wrestlers can too. He's also set to compete in a big match called Battle Riot VI. Fans wonder if brOnlyFans will be a big part of his career or just a fun side project. Either way, Riddle's confidence keeps him popular. Riddle's brOnlyFans has fans talking, and many like his brave choice. His mix of humour and charm could make this a success. As he wrestles and tries new things, Riddle stays in the spotlight. Whether brOnlyFans makes money or is just for fun, it shows he's not afraid to try new ideas. Fans can join to see what he shares next.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Takes Massive Shots At CM Punk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle did not hold back his feelings on CM Punk in a recent interview, while also recalling a tense backstage interaction with John Cena. During his time in WWE, Riddle achieved significant success, starting in NXT where he won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne. After moving to the main roster, he captured the United States Championship. Riddle's most popular run came as part of the tag team RK-Bro alongside Randy Orton. The duo was a merchandise and ratings success, becoming two-time RAW Tag Team Champions before Riddle was released from the company in September 2023. While speaking with the Going Ringside podcast, Riddle was asked about potentially joining AEW and the subject of CM Punk's past drama with that company was brought up. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation "You know, I'm not a big fan of that guy either. That guy sucks at fighting and he's a bitch to work with in the back," Riddle stated. When asked for a reason, Riddle elaborated on what he had heard from his former colleagues in WWE. "Because he just belly aches and complains. This guy complains about getting multiple world title runs," he said (H/T to Fightful). "I've heard from my boys that still work there (WWE) that he is a headache, and this isn't a storyline, this is the facts." LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, also shared a story about his first backstage encounter with John Cena, which he described as a "little tiff." "I've worked with Cena. I like working with Cena. He was a great guy, a nice guy, professional," Riddle clarified before telling the story by. "The first time I met, I accidentally said I thought he would be bigger. I don't think he likes being called small, which isn't what I said, but I thought he'd be bigger," he recalled. "He kind of gave me a verbal lashing back and forth. He gave me crap for being the king of bros, tried to get me to explain what that was, and no answer was good enough for John Cena." CM Punk has yet to comment publicly on Riddle's comments. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Incumbent Grove City mayor easily beats Republican challenger
May 25—GROVE CITY — A mayor incumbent has secured his seat after the primary election May 20. Mayor Randy Riddle, 67, of 618 N. Madison Ave., defeated his opponent in the Republican primary with 511 votes, according to results posted by the Mercer County Board of Elections. Riddle's opponent, Michael Lynn, 46, of 402 W. Main St., had 75 total votes. The two were vying for a 4-year term. There were no Democratic candidates, so Riddle will proceed to the general election uncontested unless a write-in candidate. There were 312 Democratic write-in votes, but those votes won't be tallied until June 2. Riddle said this is his sixth time being re-elected as mayor of Grove City. He has been mayor since 2004, when he was appointed to finish out former Mayor Bruce Bennett's term, and has remained mayor ever since. "It feels great that the people of Grove City put their support behind me to allow me to serve my community for another four years," he said. "I'm running for re-election to continue building a future." Lynn could not be reached for comment.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaboozey's side-eye at the AMAs was him reckoning with his place in country music
Megan Moroney was sincere when she said that the Carter Family "basically invented country music" during the American Music Awards broadcast on Monday, May 26. First, she was likely reading from a script, the exact lines she was meant to recite scrolling on a teleprompter in front of her. And second, she is a country artist from Georgia, a country girl with country roots, and one of the brightest new faces of country music. It makes sense, then, that she regurgitated one of the industry's favorite talking points: That country music was born of Jimmie Rogers and those famous Carters. That everyone else is merely a derivative, expected to pay incessant homage to the originals who recorded in those Bristol sessions nearly 100 years ago. But there was Shaboozey, standing alongside Moroney, side-eyeing and smirking and no doubt thinking about the Black man who made the Carter Family's success possible. Back in February 2024, right after Beyoncé dropped 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages,' the first two tracks from her 'Cowboy Carter' album, I wrote about the significance of her collaborations with Black creatives—what I saw as an echo of sorts to A.P. Carter's reliance on Riddle: It was Riddle who guided A.P. Carter on a tour of Black Appalachia, gathering songs from the folk singers and bluesmen dotting the area, musicians who married their unique guitar stylings with distinctly Black melodies and cadences. While A.P. wrote down the lyrics, Riddle memorized everything else, using his own guitar to make beautiful music. When A.P. and Riddle reconnected with Sara and Maybelle, Riddle often tweaked the songs they'd gathered to perfectly suit the Carters' recordings. I also noted that, while there is periodic emphasis on Black artists breaking through industry barriers, less can be said for Black songwriters, musicians, and producers. The creatives aren't just skipped over by white artists—Black artists pass them over too. Call it an attempt to assimilate or flat-out ignorance, but celebrating a handful of Black artists who attempt to build country music careers while refusing to acknowledge other Black creatives isn't just bad for the industry. It's also bad for the community of Black songwriters, musicians, and producers whose dreams can only be realized through artist collaboration. Which is what makes Shaboozey's AMAs reaction so important. Opinion: Nashville is complicit in country music's diversity problem and leaders need to step up With his raised eyebrows and slight chuckle, Shaboozey didn't just cast doubt on country music's century-old fiction. He also acknowledged the Black creatives who will never stand at the front of a stage or sing into a mic—but who are important, and influential, all the same. It just took Shaboozey a little while to get there. In May 2024, fellow Black country (and 'Cowboy Carter'-featured) artist Willie Jones called out the all-White cast of the video for Shaboozey's record-setting smash 'A Bar Song (Tipsy).' Jones said Shaboozey was 'a fly in a milk bowl' in his own video, and despite the cavalcade of voices that determined Jones was simply a 'hater' and jealous of Shaboozey's success, I agreed with the optics' downsides. And I noted how Shaboozey's casting decisions were a reflection of the way things have always been done in country music, particularly for Black artists who hope to follow in Charley Pride's assimilationist footsteps: An industry that allows for only sporadic, individual Black successes is one that never truly evolves. It, instead, waits for the next Black artist willing to play the game and follow suit, the artist who will proclaim that their Blackness is a safe kind of Blackness, that it is, in fact, the only Blackness needed. That same month, an interview with Essence Magazine seemed to reinforce Shaboozey's willingness to adhere to Nashville's racial rules—or, at best, his ignorance of their existence and impact. 'When I got into the space there wasn't too much representation,' he said. 'You've obviously got Darius Rucker, Jimmy Allen, and Mickey Guyton, and Charlie [sic] Pride, all these people. But that's not a lot if you compare that pot of how many hip-hop artists there are, R&B artists. You go to country music, it's about four or five. And then as far as new ones go, it's again not that many.' A Lesley Riddle nod would've been great there—not to negate the reality that there weren't many Black country artists visible in the mainstream, but, rather, to explain why that is. It would've been great for him to speak to the creatives whose careers were stunted, not for lack of will or effort but because of the industry's refusal to support them. Opinion: Jelly Roll's success shows country music should embrace more unconventional artists Maybe then he would've opened his arms wide to Black collaborators, lifting them as he climbed the charts, the same way Beyoncé did for him. But it's entirely possible that Shaboozey just didn't know—that he, like Moroney, had sipped too long on the country music Kool-Aid, accepting long-told lies as truths. After all, in that same interview, he said that he 'didn't realize how tough it was going to be to get acceptance' in the genre. I'm sure Shaboozey's massive success with 'A Bar Song' initially skewed his perspective, that with his rapid ascent and crossover appeal, he likely assumed he'd cracked the code on the industry's artificial Whiteness. I've talked to enough Black folks around country music (as well as White women, who face their own gendered barriers in the format) to know that the same egocentrism that draws artists to music industry careers also inhibits their ability to see deep-seated issues as structural, rather than circumstantial. But it is said that experience is the best teacher, and I'm willing to bet that's the case here, too. Maybe, for Shaboozey, it was being shut out of awards from both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music, despite the unprecedented success of 'A Bar Song.' Maybe it was the realization that landing at number one, and staying there for months, wouldn't guarantee radio support for subsequent records. Or maybe it was the understanding that, despite his impact on country music, Shaboozey may very well end up like Lesley Riddle—largely unacknowledged, without even a Country Music Hall of Fame induction by which to remember him. Either way, we're here now. And for all the ignorance Shaboozey displayed at the outset of his country music career, he finally saw fit to set the record straight on the true origins of country music, on who's been here before and deserves to be here now. And to that I say: Better late than never. Andrea Williams is an opinion columnist for The Tennessean and curator of the Black Tennessee Voices initiative. She has an extensive background covering country music, sports, race and society. Email her at adwilliams@ or follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @AndreaWillWrite and BlueSky at @ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Shaboozey AMAs side-eye shows Black erasure in country music | Opinion
