Controversial Ex-WWE Star Lays Down Challenge At NJPW New Year Dash
Another former WWE star has debuted with NJPW.
Fresh off the back of Dolph Ziggler making a surprise appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 18, a former rival has now headed to Japan.
At NJPW New Year Dash Hiroshi Tanahashi successfully defended the NJPW World TV Title against Ryusuke Taguchi, just 24 hours after winning the gold from Zack Sabre Jr. Following the win, a vignette was shown on the big screen featuring Matt Riddle who laid down a challenge to the NJPW President.
In typical Tanahashi style, he said he accepted the challenge even though he had no idea who Riddle was.
Matt Riddle has issued a huge challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi at New Year Dash!
WATCH NOW: https://t.co/zzVGHtB6qA#njpw#njdashpic.twitter.com/22X8x61ZBI
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 5, 2024
When Did Matt Riddle Leave WWE?
Riddle was released by WWE on September 22nd, 2023 after yet another controversial incident. This time, WWE deemed the situation one controversy too many and released the star from his contract.
Matt Riddle had alleged he was sexually assaulted by a Port Authority officer on social media, before later deleting the post.
The star has been a controversial figure for years having previously been accused of sexual assault. In 2023 further allegations resurfaced, with claims from one female talent that Riddle undressed in front of them while working an independent event. Matt Riddle later denied the incident took place.
The former MMA star signed with WWE in 2018 and initially starred in NXT before moving to the main roster. Riddle’s most successful run came alongside Randy Orton as RK-Bro, the pair won the Raw Tag Team Titles twice and became incredibly popular with fans.