Matt Riddle’s triumphant return to Major League Wrestling (MLW) culminated in a momentous victory at the Kings of Colosseum event, where he defeated the legendary Satoshi Kojima to capture the coveted MLW World Heavyweight Championship. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Riddle’s career, a validation of his perseverance and a testament to his evolving prowess in the wrestling world. Riddle’s journey back to MLW has been a captivating narrative of resilience and determination.
Riddle’s previous attempt to secure the MLW World Heavyweight Championship in 2018 ended in a narrow defeat against Swerve Strickland, a match that lasted nearly 22 minutes. This setback, however, did not deter Riddle, who embarked on a journey through the independent wrestling circuit, honing his skills and gaining invaluable experience in promotions like WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This period of growth and development ultimately paved the way for his return to MLW, where he faced off against Jacob Fatu in a highly anticipated match.
Riddle’s victory against Kojima, a respected veteran in the wrestling world, was particularly meaningful. The match took place in Texas before an enthusiastic crowd, adding to the electric atmosphere. For Riddle, winning the championship against such a formidable opponent solidified his position as a top-tier competitor and marked a full-circle moment in his career. He described the experience as “sensational,” highlighting the high energy of the crowd and the significance of the victory.
Riddle’s return to MLW coincided with a period of growth and evolution for the organization. The roster boasted an impressive lineup of talent, including names like Mistico, KENTA, Donovan Dijak, Tom Lawlor, and Bobby Fish, all of whom contributed to the elevated level of competition within MLW. Riddle emphasized the high caliber of wrestlers he faced during his previous stint in MLW, noting the success achieved by Swerve Strickland since their 2018 encounter. This competitive environment provided a platform for Riddle to further refine his skills and ultimately reclaim his position at the top of the MLW hierarchy.
Since his return, Riddle has consistently faced top-tier competition in MLW, highlighting the promotion’s commitment to showcasing high-level matches. The organization’s collaborations with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling have further enriched the talent pool, providing a diverse and challenging landscape for wrestlers like Riddle. This continuous exposure to top-level competition has undoubtedly contributed to Riddle’s growth and solidified his status as a world-class performer.
Riddle’s reign as MLW World Heavyweight Champion promises to be a thrilling chapter in his career. His first title defense will be a triple-threat match against Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane at MLW SuperFight 6, scheduled for February 8th in Atlanta. This upcoming match presents a formidable challenge for the newly crowned champion, as he faces two skilled opponents simultaneously. The triple-threat format adds an element of unpredictability and excitement, ensuring a captivating spectacle for wrestling fans. Riddle’s ability to navigate this challenging scenario will be a true test of his championship mettle and will undoubtedly shape the landscape of MLW in the coming months.
