Matt Riddle Confirms Recent Talks With WWE & NJPW

EVOLVE Champion Matt Riddle recently spoke with the folks from Sports Illustrated after working the Beyond Wrestling “Americanrana 2018” event for an interview.

During the discussion, Riddle confirmed recent talks with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

“I’ve been in situations like this before,” said Riddle. “There is nothing official. I’ve talked to WWE, I’ve talked to the president of New Japan, and I am confident in where I stand in the world of professional wrestling.”

Riddle, who will be defending his EVOLVE Championship at the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this coming Saturday evening, told Sports Illustrated that while he still loves the independent wrestling scene, he feels like it is time to move on.

“It’s not that I don’t love the indies, it’s just time to move on,” Riddle said. “Places like EVOLVE, Beyond, those were the companies that gave me an opportunity, gave me a platform, and gave me the chance to run with the ball and showcase my skills. I got to mix it up with a world array of talent. I need more substance, I need to grow. I’m a shark and I swam in a lot of different ponds, but I’m ready for the ocean. It just depends if I’m going to the Atlantic or the Pacific.”

Check out the complete Matt Riddle interview at SI.com.