Matt Riddle Discusses His Background, Differences Between MMA & NXT/WWE

Matt Riddle was recently interviewed by WWE.com, where he discussed a number of topics. Among them were his background, the differences between MMA and professional wrestling, being in NXT and more.

Below are some questions and answers from the “King of Bros:”

WWE.COM: From where exactly did you get your “King of Bros” nickname?

RIDDLE: It was a name that was given to me because I say “Bro” a lot. The first time I was in a ring with William Regal I called him “Bro,” and from there, everyone just kept saying “Bro” to me. I kept saying “Bro” and before I knew it, I was deemed The King of Bros.

WWE.COM: When did this initial meeting with NXT General Manager William Regal occur?

RIDDLE: I was on a show for EVOLVE. Regal was talking to one of the guys about a possible opportunity to work with WWE when I stepped into the ring and said, “Yo, Bro, why aren’t you talking to me?” Some guys thought I was being disrespectful, but that was the first time I met William Regal. It took a little bit of time and persuasion, but they finally let me in the door at NXT.

Matt Riddle vs. Luke Menzies: WWE NXT, Oct. 31, 2018

WWE.COM: You have an extensive MMA background, including several fights in UFC. What lead to your decision four years ago to begin training for a career in sports-entertainment?

RIDDLE: I always had watched pro wrestling. I happened to be watching the WWE Network one day and started watching differently. I wasn’t watching it as a fan, but instead I was watching it as something that I could possibly be a part of. I thought to myself, “I can do this,” and it was something I always wanted to do. In fact, pro wrestling was the reason I pursued amateur wrestling when I was 13 and eventually trained in Jiu-Jitsu. It was sort of like I came full circle, because I watched as a kid and then learned all these different styles and made it to UFC. But I almost felt like I was limited in MMA. In sports-entertainment, you can be larger than life. That was the day I decided to call my buddy who’s a lawyer and get his opinion on me leaving MMA and training full time to wrestle. He was all for it. I trusted him and I trusted my gut feeling, and as you can see, it all worked out.

WWE.COM: What similarities have you found between the MMA world and sports-entertainment?

RIDDLE:  In my opinion, MMA is a little faster, while sports-entertainment gives you more time to show off your character. A fight on the street can be quick and unorganized, and even fights in the UFC could be that way. With a wrestling match, you’re presented with everything.

They also discuss being in NXT, what he does in his spare time and more.

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