Live from a warehouse in New Jersey Matt Riddle just cannot catch a break. Going an impressive 1-0-0 in his final three UFC fights with two no contests, Riddle last competed under the Titan FC banner before he retired from MMA early in 2014. After months of hard work and dedication, Riddle returned to athletic competition at a Monster Factory smoker in Paulsboro, NJ.
Matched up with not one, not two, but six time All-American Billy Damiana, Riddle came in as the underdog in his pro wrestling debut. In front of a captive audience, Riddle stepped into the ring at his peak physical condition and without a hint of intimidation. With a brawling style, Riddle leaned on his MMA roots to wear down Damiana with knee strikes and attempted choke holds.
In retrospect it was a bit surprising that Riddle was unable to finish off multiple uncontested choke holds; perhaps a testament to Damiana’s per willpower the All-American of something never even thought about tapping. Due to a sleep at the wheel athletic commission several other pro wrestlers rushed into the ring before Riddle’s first match can come to a conclusion. Complete lack of institutional control from the Monster Factory and the New Jersey State Athletic Commission marred an otherwise gentlemen’s affair.
Hopefully Riddle will be able to bounce back from yet another no contest staining his pro record.
