Last September, Matt Riddle was fired from WWE along with several other talents after TKO Group was formed. Riddle competed in MLW, NJPW, and an independent event following the release.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Matt Riddle was asked if he felt the door was still open for WWE.
“Well, I’ll say this, and this isn’t [a] knock to anybody, good luck to everybody. If CM Punk can come back, there’s certainly a possibility [I can come back]. Congrats to everybody hope everybody’s making tons of money, I am too. I’ll say this, I have no ill will. I really don’t. I am thankful they gave me the opportunities they gave me. I’m super stoked about it [and] super happy about it. Even with UFC, I’m not bitter, I’m grateful. I got to fight in the biggest fight organization in the world, and even when Dana [White] slammed me, it built my stardom for being like 420 athlete of the year. So, it’s like can’t knock it, WWE gave me [a] platform, multiple WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and everything. Sweet, thank you, no harm thank you for all the money and championships, how people and kids look at me because they got to see me on their screen, thank you.”
The Original Bro is scheduled to face Hiroshi Tanahashi for the NJPW World TV Championship on February 23rd at The New Beginning in Sapporo.