DGS Main Event Pro Wrestling Rookie of the Year – Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle

Bro? Bro!

That one word, along with a desire to be the best has made Matt Riddle’s 2016 one to remember. The former MMA fighter might have just ventured into pro wrestling around 2015, but you would have not known that thanks to a very smooth 2016. Riddle has wrestled some of the best there is to offer in the independent wrestling scene, and it looks like he’s just getting started. Matt Riddle has won the DGS Main Event Award for Rookie of the Year, bro!

A few months back, Double G Sports covered the Pennsylvania-born Riddle, discussing his history leading up to wrestling. A former Ultimate Fighter contestant, Riddle went through a controversial run with the UFC, Bellator MMA and Titan FC (drug tests, injuries & getting fired from the UFC with a four fight win streak). During his run it appeared he wasn’t having that much fun, until he found his groove in pro wrestling. Now, he’s having the time of his life, and he seems to be the future of the sport. The man is leading Evolve to a new era.

A member of the Catch Point stable, Riddle has wowed crowds due to his flexible move set, and his ability to blur the line between fantasy and reality. His relaxed attitude has done wonders to make him feel like the “Average Joe” wrestler, but when he runs towards an opponent or makes them submit to the “Bromission”, he evolves to another level. His goal is to beat people up and win (which he has successfully done). This documentary by Evolve perfectly sums up Mr. Riddle:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwg2zda9WIw

Matt has already made his mark across the wrestling scene, competing in PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles tournament, among other promotions. He also won Evolve’s Style Battle Tournament. PWI ranked him 280^th in the 2016 PWI 500. This time next year he could be in the top 100’s, or even in the top 10.

At only 30-years old, Matt Riddle can become a hot commodity for any company. His ultimate goal is WWE, but only time will tell how long that will take. MMA Fighting did a feature on him a few months back, and Riddle was not shy on his future. Already able to go toe-to-toe with stars like Zach Sabre Jr., Roderick Strong, Cedric Alexander, Jeff Cobb, Ricochet, Will Ospreay, TJ Perkins and Chris Hero, it appears he can have a great match with anyone put in front of him. In regards to his future, Riddle stated:

“Right now in 2016 I’ve done everything in my wheelhouse. I wanted to wrestle in Evolve. In 2017, I want to be the Evolve champion, and I want to get to Japan. Those are my goals.”

He might just get what he wants, and even more. When Johnny Gargano left Evolve early this year, he said the future of the company was in the right hands. With the spotlight on him, Riddle declared, “Evolve is Bro, bro.” Just like 2016, the DGS Main Event Pro Wrestling Rookie of the Year will look to make 2017 the year of the bro!

Current DGS Main Event Awards:

MMA Tag Team of the Year

Pro Wrestling Tag Team of the Year

MMA Rookie of the Year