Released WWE Star Set To Fight Jake Paul?

WWE

An update has emerged on Matt Riddle’s next move following his WWE release, with the former MMA fighter potentially set to fight Jake Paul.

After Riddle was let go by WWE during the September round of talent cuts, reports indicated that several combat sports promotions were interested in working with the ex-UFC star.

Riddle’s return fight might have just been revealed, as according to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there has been ‘preliminary’ talk about a possible Riddle vs Jake Paul fight.

Noting that discussions about this potential bout were expected to take place this week, Meltzer said:

“Still, there were at least talks that were expected to take place this week regarding Jake Paul vs. Riddle. At best the talk right now should be categorized as very preliminary.

“Ultimately it’s a call that will be made on Paul’s side. If it’s boxing rules, it’s likely an easy safe fight for Paul and Riddle would be doing it for a payday.

“If it’s MMA rules, it’s intriguing because Paul would be younger and has been fighting while Riddle hasn’t, and the size isn’t an issue like it was with Paul boxing guys like Nate Diaz and Tyron Woodley.

“But Riddle has kept up his Jiu Jitsu training throughout his WWE career. There are wrestling companies who have shown interest but no deal is believed to be close to happening nor could any until 12/20 .”

It is currently unclear whether this would be an MMA fight, or if it would be contested under boxing rules.

Riddle notably competed on the seventh season of UFC The Ultimate Fighter in 2008, before going on a brief UFC winning streak.

He also competed in MMA promotions Bellator and Titan FC before making the transition to pro-wrestling in 2015.

Jake Paul is currently honing his craft as a boxer, and has scored victories over former UFC stars Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and most recently Nate Diaz, who he defeated via unanimous decision in August.

Paul’s only boxing loss to date saw him suffer a split decision defeat to Tommy Fury, younger brother of lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in February.

During Jake Paul’s boxing career, the 26 year old has faced criticism for facing numerous former MMA fighters, with fans wanting to see Paul face off against more professional boxers following his Tommy Fury bout.

It is possible that Paul and Riddle could fight under MMA rules, following reports that PFL are interested in the ex-WWE star.

While Paul hasn’t yet stepped into the PFL SmartCage, the influencer announced in January that he had signed a multi-year deal with the MMA promotion.

Wrestling fans will recognise Jake Paul as the younger brother of Logan Paul, who currently wrestles for WWE on a part-time basis.

Jake notably made an appearance at the 2022 Crown Jewel premium live event to brawl with Solo Sikoa and The Usos during Logan’s WWE Undisputed Universal Title bout against Roman Reigns.

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• Jake Paul
• boxing
• MMA
• Matt Riddle

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