Matthew Fredrick Riddle, born on January 14, 1986, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, spent his formative years in Saratoga Springs, New York. He attended Saratoga Springs High School, where he excelled in wrestling, becoming a New York state wrestling champion in 2004 and defeating future UFC champion Jon Jones twice in high school matches13. Riddle's wrestling prowess earned him a scholarship to East Stroudsburg University, where he continued to compete at a high level. However, his collegiate wrestling career was cut short when his head coach was fired, resulting in the loss of his scholarship134. This pivotal moment led Riddle to transition into mixed martial arts (MMA), setting the stage for his future career in combat sports13.

Matt Riddle's mixed martial arts career began in 2008 when he appeared on SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter 7, leveraging his high school wrestling experience to transition into MMA after losing his college wrestling scholarship12. Despite being eliminated from the show, Riddle's potential was recognized, and he was signed to the UFC. He compiled an impressive professional record of 8-3 (2) in the promotion, showcasing his striking abilities and submission skills3.

Riddle's UFC career was marked by a four-fight win streak, demonstrating his prowess in the octagon3. However, his tenure with the promotion came to an abrupt end in 2013 when he tested positive for marijuana, a substance he had been using to manage pain and anxiety. This violation of the UFC's substance policy led to his release from the organization, ultimately paving the way for his transition into professional wrestling43.

Riddle transitioned to professional wrestling in 2014, training at the Monster Factory and making his debut in February 201512. He quickly gained recognition on the independent circuit, capturing titles such as the Evolve Championship, WWN Championship, and PWG World Tag Team Championship with Jeff Cobb1. His success led to accolades from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, naming him Rookie of the Year and Most Improved in 20161. Riddle's impressive performances on the independent scene paved the way for his signing with WWE in 2018, where he continued to build his reputation13.

In 2024, Riddle achieved significant milestones, including winning the MLW Battle Riot VI, which secured him a guaranteed MLW World Heavyweight Title match2. He also defended his NJPW World Television Championship successfully against Bad Dude Tito and Kosei Fujita2. Additionally, Riddle made notable appearances on the independent circuit, capturing the Combat 1 World Championship and participating in high-profile matches, such as teaming with Rob Van Dam and defeating America's Most Wanted2. His continued success across various promotions highlights his versatility and resilience in the wrestling world.