WWE and UFC alumnus Matt Riddle was in attendance at the Fighters Only World MMA Awards earlier this week.
During an interview with MMAJunkie at the event, Riddle stated that he could potentially resume his MMA career later next year.
Riddle is advertised for several wrestling events in 2024. The Original Bro was released from his WWE contract this past September and will become a free agent tomorrow.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On talking to promotions on an MMA return: “There’s been a lot of talk. I’ve been talking to a couple of promotions. I don’t want to get into it until it’s official, but I think in 2024 there’s a very big possibility that I get back in the ring or cage pretty soon.”
On his firing from the UFC by Dana White: “I have to thank Dana, because if he were to just fire me and not say anything, nobody probably would’ve knew about me. Putting me on blast and doing that, I think a lot of people could relate with me. They probably had their parents or their boss talk to them like that. I think that’s kind of where that ‘bro’ character kind of started. Making my way through pro wrestling wasn’t easy, too, especially with the stigma as being that guy who got fired. I think every good journey needs a good story of ups and downs, just like a good pro wrestling match.”
On having unfinished business in MMA: “Maybe this is a bad theory or bad idea, but I feel like you’ve got to get beat up to leave, you know? I feel like I left the UFC on a four-fight win streak, then won another fight in Titan FC. I just kind of left and went to pro wrestling. I did good (and am) still doing it. Pro wrestling is awesome, but I still want to get beat up. I want to have my exit. We’ll see. Maybe somebody beats me up. Maybe I keep winning. Who knows?”
On if returning to MMA or wrestling is more likely in 2024: “(Which is) more likely? Probably a ring. I’d like to get back in the cage, but we’ll see what happens.”
