Matthew Fredrick Riddle, widely known as Matt Riddle, has established a unique presence in both professional wrestling and MMA. In 2023, his estimated net worth stands at approximately $3 million, reflecting his success and adaptability in two highly competitive arenas.
Early Life and Introduction to Combat Sports
Matt Riddle was born on January 14, 1986, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His athletic journey began with high school wrestling, where he showcased his talent by winning the New York State wrestling championship in 2004. Notably, he defeated future UFC champion Jon Jones during his high school wrestling career. Riddle pursued wrestling at East Stroudsburg University but shifted to MMA after the university revoked his scholarship when his coach left the program.
MMA Career and Earnings
Matt Riddle launched his MMA career with a breakthrough performance on “The Ultimate Fighter 7” in 2008. His impressive showing earned him a contract with the UFC, where he won four consecutive fights. Throughout his MMA career, Riddle earned approximately $250,000, although this figure later decreased to $150,000 due to various circumstances.
Transition to Professional Wrestling
In 2014, Riddle decided to switch to professional wrestling and trained at Monster Factory. He made his debut in 2015 and quickly gained recognition as a top performer on the independent circuit. He secured major titles, including the Evolve Championship and the PWG World Tag Team Championship, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
WWE Tenure and Financial Growth
Matt Riddle joined WWE in 2018, starting with the NXT brand before making his way to the main roster. He achieved significant milestones, such as winning the United States Championship and forming the highly successful tag team “RK-Bro” with Randy Orton, which culminated in them winning the Raw Tag Team Championship.
Financially, Riddle’s WWE contract significantly boosted his earnings. Initially, he earned a base salary of $400,000 per year. Later, he revealed that his contract was set to rise to $750,000 annually, with plans to reach $1 million in subsequent years.
Endorsements and Additional Income Streams
Matt Riddle supplemented his income through endorsements and merchandise sales. He earned a share of WWE merchandise sales and appeared in several WWE video games, further increasing his earnings. Additionally, he capitalized on his in-ring persona by designing and selling limited edition t-shirts under the brand “The King of Bros.”
Personal Life and Assets
Matt Riddle’s personal life has attracted public attention. He married Lisa Riddle in 2011, and the couple had three children together. However, their marriage ended in 2022. Currently, Riddle resides in Orlando, Florida, though he has kept additional details about his assets private.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In September 2023, WWE released Riddle, a move many attributed to the WWE/UFC merger and his past conflicts with UFC President Dana White. Despite this setback, Riddle remains optimistic about his future. After his WWE departure, he signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW) and continues to make appearances on the independent wrestling circuit. These developments hint at potential new opportunities and revenue streams in his career.
Conclusion
As of 2023, Matt Riddle’s estimated net worth of $3 million reflects his successful transitions between MMA and professional wrestling. His combination of athletic talent and resilience promises a bright future in the ever-evolving world of combat sports entertainment.
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