31 Facts About Matt Riddle

Early Life and Background

Matt Riddle's journey to fame is filled with interesting twists and turns. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in Pennsylvania: Matt Riddle was born on January 14, 1986, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This small city is known for its rich history and vibrant culture.

2. High School Wrestling Star: During his high school years, Riddle excelled in wrestling. He won the state wrestling championship in New York, showcasing his early talent in the sport.

3. College Athlete: Riddle attended East Stroudsburg University, where he continued to shine as a wrestler. His college wrestling career laid a strong foundation for his future in combat sports.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

Before becoming a WWE superstar, Riddle made a name for himself in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Here are some key facts about his MMA career.

4. Ultimate Fighter Contestant: Riddle gained national attention as a contestant on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show. His performance on the show helped him secure a contract with the UFC.

5. UFC Debut: He made his UFC debut on June 21, 2008, at "The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale." Riddle won his first fight by unanimous decision.

6. Impressive UFC Record: Over his UFC career, Riddle amassed a record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and 2 no-contests. His aggressive fighting style and charisma made him a fan favorite.

Transition to Professional Wrestling

After his MMA career, Riddle transitioned to professional wrestling, where he found even greater success. Let's explore some key moments from his wrestling career.

7. Wrestling Debut: Riddle made his professional wrestling debut in February 2015. He quickly gained attention for his unique blend of MMA skills and wrestling prowess.

8. Independent Circuit Success: Before joining WWE, Riddle wrestled for various independent promotions, including Evolve, Progress Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. His performances earned him a loyal fan base.

9. WWE Signing: In July 2018, Riddle signed with WWE and joined the NXT brand. His signing was met with excitement from fans and industry insiders alike.

WWE Career Highlights

Riddle's WWE career has been marked by numerous highlights and memorable moments. Here are some of the most notable ones.

10. NXT Debut: Riddle made his NXT debut on October 31, 2018, at NXT TakeOver: WarGames II. He quickly became a standout performer on the brand.

11. NXT Tag Team Champion: Riddle won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne in January 2020. Their team, known as "The BroserWeights," was a fan favorite.

12. Main Roster Debut: In May 2020, Riddle was called up to WWE's main roster, joining the SmackDown brand. His debut match saw him defeat AJ Styles in a thrilling encounter.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional career, Riddle has a rich personal life and a variety of interests. Here are some intriguing facts about his life outside the ring.

13. Family Man: Riddle is married to Lisa Riddle, and the couple has three children together. He often shares glimpses of his family life on social media.

14. Passion for Skateboarding: Riddle is an avid skateboarder. He often incorporates his love for skateboarding into his wrestling persona, adding a unique flair to his character.

15. Advocate for Medical Marijuana: Riddle is a vocal advocate for the use of medical marijuana. He has spoken openly about how it has helped him manage pain and anxiety.

Unique Wrestling Style

Riddle's wrestling style sets him apart from his peers. Let's take a closer look at what makes his in-ring approach so distinctive.

16. Hybrid Style: Riddle's wrestling style is a unique blend of MMA techniques and traditional wrestling moves. This hybrid approach makes his matches exciting and unpredictable.

17. Barefoot Wrestler: Unlike most wrestlers, Riddle competes barefoot. This choice is a nod to his MMA background and adds to his distinctive in-ring persona.

18. Signature Moves: Some of Riddle's signature moves include the "Bro Derek" (a modified tombstone piledriver) and the "Floating Bro" (a top-rope senton bomb). These moves have become fan favorites.

Memorable Matches

Riddle has been part of many memorable matches throughout his wrestling career. Here are some of the most notable ones.

19. Vs. Velveteen Dream: Riddle faced Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver: New York in April 2019. The match was highly praised for its intensity and storytelling.

20. Vs. Timothy Thatcher: In May 2020, Riddle had a brutal "Fight Pit" match against Timothy Thatcher on NXT. The match showcased Riddle's toughness and versatility.

21. Vs. Sheamus: At WrestleMania 37, Riddle defended his United States Championship against Sheamus. The hard-hitting match was one of the highlights of the event.

Championships and Accomplishments

Riddle's career is decorated with numerous championships and accolades. Let's highlight some of his most significant achievements.

22. NXT Tag Team Championship: As mentioned earlier, Riddle won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne in 2020.

23. United States Championship: Riddle captured the WWE United States Championship in February 2021 at the Elimination Chamber event.

24. Evolve Champion: Before joining WWE, Riddle won the Evolve Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier wrestler.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Riddle's life and career are filled with fun facts and trivia that fans might find interesting. Here are a few more tidbits.

25. Nickname "The Original Bro": Riddle is often referred to as "The Original Bro." This nickname reflects his laid-back, easygoing personality.

26. Video Game Enthusiast: Riddle is a big fan of video games. He has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys playing games like "Call of Duty" and "Fortnite."

27. Cameo in Movies: Riddle made a cameo appearance in the 2015 film "The Wrestler: A Q.T. Marshall Story." His brief role added to his growing list of accomplishments.

Future Prospects

Riddle's career shows no signs of slowing down. Here are some thoughts on what the future might hold for this talented wrestler.

28. Potential World Champion: Many fans and analysts believe Riddle has the potential to become a world champion in WWE. His unique style and charisma make him a strong contender.

29. Dream Matches: Riddle has expressed interest in facing top WWE stars like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. These dream matches could be major draws for WWE events.

30. Continued Advocacy: Riddle is likely to continue his advocacy for medical marijuana and other causes he believes in. His platform allows him to raise awareness on important issues.

31. Expanding Horizons: Beyond wrestling, Riddle has the potential to explore opportunities in acting, commentary, or other areas of entertainment. His versatility and charisma make him a valuable asset in any field.

The Final Bell

Matt Riddle's journey from UFC fighter to WWE superstar is nothing short of fascinating. His transition from the octagon to the wrestling ring showcases his versatility and determination. Riddle's laid-back persona, combined with his impressive athleticism, has made him a fan favorite. His unique style and charismatic presence continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether he's delivering a knockout punch or a high-flying move, Riddle's impact on the wrestling world is undeniable. His story is a testament to following one's passion and embracing new challenges. As he continues to make waves in WWE, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for the "Original Bro." From his early days in MMA to his current wrestling stardom, Matt Riddle's career is a thrilling ride worth watching. Keep an eye on this dynamic performer; his journey is far from over.