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Matt Riddle confirms talks with WWE & NJPW

By Ibrahim Awadalla

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: WWE Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Michelle Wilson speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network will launch on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programs and video on demand. The USD 9.99 per month subscription will include access to all 12 live WWE pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: WWE Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Michelle Wilson speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network will launch on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programs and video on demand. The USD 9.99 per month subscription will include access to all 12 live WWE pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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With much speculation going on, former UFC fighter and independent pro-wrestler Matt Riddle has confirmed that he’s had talks with WWE and NJPW.

Former UFC fighter and current independent wrestler Matt Riddle, who currently holds the EVOLVE championship, has confirmed to Sports Illustrated that he has indeed has talks with both WWE and NJPW, as there’s been much speculation online on if he’s coming to WWE or not. Although he’s had talks with both company, Riddle also stated that nothing’s official as of this moment.

“I’ve been in situations like this before,” said Riddle(via Sports Illustrated). “There is nothing official. I’ve talked to WWE, I’ve talked to the president of New Japan, and I am confident in where I stand in the world of professional wrestling.”

Riddle also explained in the very same interview he’s at the point where he needs to move on from the independent scene to go into bigger wrestling promotions.

“It’s not that I don’t love the indies, it’s just time to move on. Places like EVOLVE, Beyond, those were the companies that gave me an opportunity, gave me a platform, and gave me the chance to run with the ball and showcase my skills. I got to mix it up with a world array of talent. I need more substance, I need to grow. I’m a shark and I swam in a lot of different ponds, but I’m ready for the ocean. It just depends if I’m going to the Atlantic or the Pacific.”

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While it’s unknown at the time on whether or not Riddle will be going to WWE or NJPW, it’s worth noting the publicity online he’s receiving form “hardcore” wrestling fans seems to speak good news for his career if he has a chance to sign with with either company. Will Riddle sign with a big wrestling promotion like WWE, or will he continue to wrestle on the independents and potentially become a much bigger star?

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