The King of Bros has finally done it.
Matt Riddle came back to MLW in 2024 with a chip on his shoulder. The former WWE star was fresh off his release and didn’t particularly have the best reputation coming out of his former employer. But MLW welcomed the former WWE United States Champion with open arms and the 38-year-old has been working hard to climb up the MLW ranks.
Riddle is no stranger to working with the promotion as he wrestled in MLW in 2017 and 2018, though he never won the world title during this period. However, when Riddle won the Battle Riot in June, he got one step closer to his dreams.
And January 11, 2025, Matt Riddle finally accomplished the goal of becoming the MLW World Heavyweight Champion. It wasn’t an easy task as Satoshi Kojima held that belt for 343 days, so it was a back and forth squabble between two of the top stars in MLW. But a jumping knee from Riddle was the beginning of the end. The former WWE star hit the Bro-stone piledriver and got the three count, beating the veteran within eleven minutes.
This is Matt Riddle first single’s title in MLW. However, the singles title reign might not last long as Riddle’s first title defense has been confirmed. On February 8th at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA, the new World Heavyweight Champion will defend his title in a Triple Threat match against Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane.
Riddle’s time in MLW has been pretty good for the former WWE star. He’s been able to keep out of trouble following his final incident in WWE. Plus, he really seems to enjoy his time in the promotion. Riddle has spoken about why he chose to make his return to MLW as opposed to a place like TNA, and he’s always had a soft spot for MLW:
“The reason I love MLW is that before WWE, they were one of the few bigger companies that gave me an opportunity and believed in me.” Riddle said to TVInsider. “That is where I first met Bruce Prichard when he was one of the producers there. [MLW Founder] Court Bauer and everyone there has been behind me from day one. Now that I’m a free agent, we both have an opportunity to work together. That’s why I went back. It is like a homecoming. Court has always been nice to me. MLW has a good spot in my heart.”
MLW has paid him back with the World Heavyweight Championship. How long will Riddle keep it? We’ll find out soon!