After almost a decade of hiatus from unscripted fights, former UFC and WWE star Matt Riddle has said he will possibly make a comeback to MMA next year.
However, the 37-year-old remained tight-lipped about ongoing discussions with various companies. Wrestling Observer Newsletter had previously reported potential offers from bare-knuckle and PFL.
"There's been a lot of talk. I've been talking to a couple of promotions," Riddle told MMA Junkie. "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."
Riddle's last MMA bout was in February 2014, a one-off appearance for Titan FC against Michael Kuiper. He departed from the UFC on a four-win streak in 2013 after defeating Che Mills.
Riddle faced adversity as two of his victories were overturned due to failed drug tests for marijuana. UFC CEO Dana White criticized Riddle for his non-compliance with state and promotion guidelines, putting him on blast after he had left the organization.
"I have to thank Dana, because if he were to just fire me and not say anything, nobody probably would've knew about me," said Riddle, who is a free agent now.
"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."
He expressed openness to working with White again, emphasizing that it's just a matter of if the UFC president would want him to work again.
"I never say never," said Riddle. "If the opportunity is right. I don't really hold a grudge."
Riddle's WWE journey
Riddle started his professional wrestling training in 2014 and made his debut in 2015 at the Monster Factory. He then worked for various independent promotions, such as Pro-Wrestling Guerilla, World Wrestling Network/Evolve, Progress Atlas Wrestling, IWA Mid-South and Pro-Wrestling Chaos.
Throughout this phase, he claimed several titles, such as the Evolve Championship, WWN Championship, PWG World Tag Team Championship and Progress Atlas Championship.
His WWE journey began in 2018 under NXT. During his two-year stint, Riddle achieved notable successes, securing the NXT Tag Team Championship once alongside Pete Dunne.
Elevated to the main roster, Riddle clinched the United States Championship in February 2021 after beating Bobby Lashley and John Morrison in a Triple Threat match at WWE Elimination Chamber. In April, he formed the tag team "RK-Bro" with Randy Orton and secured the Raw Tag Team Championship twice in August 2021 and March 2022.
While he shifted gears from MMA almost a decade ago, Riddle remains dedicated to the martial arts, practicing multiple times a week. He also holds a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
"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," Riddle, who was seen at Saturday's Jake Paul vs. Andre August boxing match in Orlando, said.
"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?"
