Tony Khan Firmly Declines AEW Move for Controversial Ex-WWE Star Matt Riddle
In the dynamic international of professional wrestling, wherein talent is continuously crossing among promotions, the opportunity of a first-rate ex-WWE famous person like Matt Riddle becoming a member of AEW appeared like a achievable pass. AEW, which debuted in 2019, has attracted numerous former WWE stars who’ve given that thrived inside the merchandising. From Bryan Danielson, the reigning AEW World Champion, to Swerve Strickland, whose superb year has been marked with the aid of numerous celebrated fits and a World Title reign, AEW has turn out to be a stronghold for former WWE talent in search of a sparkling begin.
However, now not all former WWE stars are welcomed with open fingers at AEW. A current name that’s been floating in wrestling circles is Matt Riddle, who parted ways with WWE in September 2023. Riddle’s departure from WWE unfolded a floodgate of rumors linking him to AEW, but the ultra-modern trends endorse that any ability move to Tony Khan’s merchandising may additionally have been wishful questioning.
Riddle’s First Meeting with Khan: Awkward Tension?
In a current interview, Matt Riddle shared his thoughts on AEW and his extremely awkward first encounter with Tony Khan. According to Riddle, he had a brief interaction with the AEW CEO that left him unsure about Khan’s influence of him. Riddle humorously recalled the assembly, pointing out, “I talked to Tony. I don’t know if he likes me. He seemed happy. I wrestled Zach Sabre Jr. in Chicago. He seemed cool about it. I don’t know.”
Riddle, recognized for his laid-returned but sarcastic personality, admitted that his humor may not have landed properly for the duration of their conversation. “When you meet me, I’m very sarcastic. But when I met him, I was like, ‘Oh, you like that match’? But I said it a different way, and he looked at me all confused. And I was like, ‘Never mind, dude’. I just walked away. So that was my experience with that,” he recounted.
While Riddle’s lighthearted storytelling would possibly propose that the interplay was merely a blip on the radar, it appears that evidently Tony Khan’s assessment of the situation may additionally have been greater critical. According to a document from Fightful Select, Khan has no interest in signing Riddle to AEW.
Tony Khan Closes the Door: No Plans to Sign Riddle
Despite the thrill surrounding Riddle’s capacity circulate to AEW, sources within the company have firmly stated that Tony Khan has no plans to carry the previous WWE megastar into the fold. Report notes that Khan, especially, has had no interest in operating with Riddle “mainly over the last few years.”
Interestingly, Riddle’s sporadic appearances inside the wrestling international have been ordinarily out of doors of AEW’s radar. He’s worked a few matches on the independent circuit, in most cases in Mexico, and there seems to be little crossover between his paintings and AEW skills. This divide best in addition highlights the unlikelihood of Riddle making a touch in AEW each time quickly.
What’s Next for Matt Riddle?
While the door to AEW might be firmly close, all wish isn’t lost for Matt Riddle. The charismatic wrestler has reportedly been in talks with TNA (now known as IMPACT Wrestling), and the advertising seems hopeful that Riddle can make a sizable appearance on their platform. If he have been to enroll in TNA, Riddle might be including yet every other bankruptcy to his wrestling career, which has already visible him perform throughout more than one principal promotions, which includes WWE, MLW, and NJPW.
It’s really worth noting that Riddle has now not but dedicated to an extended-time period agreement with any advertising. His recent appearances were on a in keeping with-occasion foundation, which leaves him unfastened to explore various possibilities within the industry. While his destiny remains unsure, one aspect is clear: Matt Riddle’s recognition continues to spark interest across the wrestling global.
The AEW Landscape Without Riddle
As AEW maintains to enlarge its roster and bring in some of the hottest names in wrestling, it’s glaring that Tony Khan and his crew are selective approximately the talent they sign. With stars like Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland leading the rate, AEW stays focused on its core roster, whilst every now and then bringing in new faces to shake things up. However, in Riddle’s case, evidently his history, each inside and out of the ring, has not made the case strong sufficient for Khan to rethink.
Riddle’s controversial beyond and the uncertainty surrounding his character may also have performed a function in Khan’s choice, however irrespective of the reasons, AEW’s desire is company. For now, wrestling fanatics will must be patient wherein Riddle’s next big circulate will take him – however it gained’t be in an AEW ring.
