Zack Sabre Jr. Ends Matt Riddle’s Brief Reign as NJPW World Television Champion
Summary
– Matt Riddle’s reign as NJPW World Television Champion concluded on April 12 at Windy City Riot, where Zack Sabre Jr defeated him.
– Post-match, Riddle’s nonchalant exit from the ring sparked rumors of his departure from NJPW.
– Despite speculation, Dave Meltzer reports that Riddle is scheduled for future dates with NJPW, indicating his continued involvement with the company.
At the recent Windy City Riot pay-per-view in Chicago, the NJPW World Television Championship changed hands in a match that saw Matt Riddle dethroned by Zack Sabre Jr. However, the buzz surrounding the event was about more than just the title change. What caught the audience’s attention was Riddle’s reaction after the match. Rather than showing a defeated champion’s typical disappointment or frustration, Riddle quickly left the ring, engaging cheerfully with fans as if unaffected by the loss.
This behavior led to widespread speculation about Riddle’s status with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), with rumors suggesting that his tenure might be coming to an abrupt end. These rumors were fueled by Riddle’s recent start with the company in January and his less than four-month title reign.
However, according to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” these rumors are unfounded. Meltzer emphasized that Riddle’s swift departure from the ring does not signal an exit from NJPW. Instead, the decision for Riddle to drop the championship was a strategic move by NJPW’s management, likely to elevate Zack Sabre Jr. and shake up the championship scene.
Further solidifying Riddle’s ongoing relationship with NJPW, Meltzer mentioned that Riddle has upcoming commitments with the company, and his working visa allows him travel to Japan throughout 2024. Although Riddle was unexpectedly left out of the 2024 New Japan Cup, there is more in store for him in NJPW.
In addition to his NJPW schedule, Riddle will continue his engagements with Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he has made notable defenses of the NJPW World Television Championship. This dual commitment showcases Riddle’s active and diverse wrestling career across promotions.
As fans and the wrestling community look forward to Riddle’s next steps, it’s clear that his journey in NJPW is far from over, promising more intriguing matches and perhaps a few more surprises along the way.
