With MLW expanding its TV exposure, Riddle is enjoying a new character, a packed schedule and the chance to chase another prize.
Matt Riddle in MLW
Matt Riddle is keeping busy. Between MLW, independent bookings around the world and family life, there’s plenty to fill his calendar. But as he tells us, the growing opportunities for MLW, and the freedom to try something new there, make this an especially exciting chapter.
The interview opened on MLW’s new distribution deals with Amazon Prime and Tubi. Riddle was particularly enthusiastic about the Tubi deal for MLW Fusion, which he said is available every Thursday. “The vibe is awesome. You know, I think people are excited for what’s next.”
For Riddle, the new exposure is another reason to be optimistic about a roster he considers stacked. He pointed to the company’s international talent and its upcoming pay-per-view in Chicago, and singled out emerging star Josh Bishop as a standout. He also has a personal challenge in mind: Brick Savage, who overwhelmed him in their first encounter. “I would like to get back in the ring with him and let the fireworks fly.”
Riddle was also looking ahead to the Opera Cup, where he is due to face Mark Coffey in the first round. Winning it is one of his immediate goals at MLW. Longer term, he’d like to add the MLW tag team and National Open championships to his collection.
A new side of the “Bro”
For years, audiences have known Riddle as the laid-back “Bro.” At MLW, he’s been able to lean into a more antagonistic persona: the “Rude Dude.” The shift has given him a different way to work, especially opposite fan favourites like Killer Kross.
Riddle said the idea had been on his mind for a while, but other promotions weren’t keen on moving away from the familiar character. “I pitched the Rude Dude to New Japan. I pitched the new Rude Dude to everybody. Nobody wanted [it]. They’re like, ‘Be the Bro. People want the Bro.’”
At MLW, he says, the response was different. After he lost a title, promoter Court Bauer suggested it was time to try the new character. “It’s the first place that actually let me do, like, a complete different character.”
He’s relishing that freedom, while acknowledging that the “Bro” is still part of who he is as a performer. “At the end of the day, I’m a babyface at heart,” he said, pointing to the connection he feels with fans.
The independent grind in 2026
Riddle sees the independent wrestling scene as thriving, and he’s a busy part of it. He described wrestling in Florida and West Virginia, including a rain-soaked match, and working for promotions such as ACW (Awesome Championship Wrestling) and World Series of Wrestling in Australia. He also said he was the Australian champion at the time of the interview. “The Independents right now, I think are thriving.”
That schedule comes with trade-offs. Riddle spoke about trying to balance travel and bookings with a growing family (there will be six kids soon), while still enjoying the work. He joked that after taking fewer holiday bookings in previous years, he was making up for lost time.
Downtime matters, too. For Riddle, it often means video games, especially survival horror titles, or working out. His advice for young people feeling pressure to achieve everything quickly was straightforward: progress takes time, and persistence counts. “The difference between me being a black belt and fighting in the UFC and some tough guy is I didn’t stop going to practice. I just kept going.”
His message for anyone close to giving up, provided they’re genuinely putting in the work, was just as clear: “When you’re at that point of about to give up, that’s when you gotta double down.”
Looking ahead
Riddle has won titles across wrestling and combat sports, but he still has goals on the board. Alongside the Opera Cup and potential MLW championships, he wants to see the promotion secure more streaming deals and continue to grow. “I want to see MLW get more deals, streaming deals. I want to see our company grow into what I know it can be and will be.”
For now, the plan is to keep wrestling, stay healthy and enjoy the ride. As Riddle put it, “I’m just trying to stay healthy and happy.”