Folks, let me paint you a picture of a night in Chicago that was as lively as a jazz club on a Saturday night. NJPW’s Windy City Riot rolled back into town, and it brought with it all the thrills and spills you’d expect from a top-tier wrestling event. But the real headline-maker wasn’t just the bouts—it was Matt Riddle’s hasty exit after losing his NJPW World Television Championship.
Now, Matt Riddle, known as much for his laid-back vibe as his fierce grappling, had been the proud holder of that TV title since he snagged it from Hiroshi Tanahashi back in February. He even defended it like a champ a couple of times in MLW. But when he squared off against Zack Sabre Jr., the front man of TMDK, things took a turn. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Sabre pulled a fast one with a surprise roll-up within the 15-minute time limit.
But here’s where it gets interesting. After the bell, instead of wallowing in defeat or shaking off the loss in the ring, Riddle bolted faster than a rabbit spooked by a hound. He didn’t just leave the ring; he practically sprinted up the ramp, high-fiving fans along the way, seemingly unbothered by the upset. Talk about a quick change of pace!
Now, whether Riddle’s fast feet were part of a bigger plan or just him being his unpredictable self, that’s still up in the air. What we do know is that he’s got a work visa ready for Japan all through 2024, so his wrestling journey’s far from over.
Meanwhile, the new champ, Zack Sabre Jr., is no stranger to that belt. He was the first to ever hold it and had it for a year before dropping it to Tanahashi. Now, he’s got it back and is likely eyeing a reign that tops his first.
As for NJPW, they’re not slowing down either. With the ‘Road to Wrestling Dontaku’ tour kicking off soon and another U.S. event on the horizon in May, it looks like the wrestling world’s got plenty to look forward to.
So, while Riddle might have left the Windy City in a hurry, the buzz from his exit and the excitement of the night are sticking around much longer.