Matt Riddle’s Debut Match in NJPW Officially Announced

Matt Riddle, former WWE star and current NJPW champion, has made his in-ring debut.

Riddle was in the news on January 5, after he issued a video challenge to NJPW WORLD TV champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.

NJPW announced today that Riddle would make his in-ring promotion debut at the Battle in the Valley event in San Jose on Saturday, January 13, 2013.

Riddle will team up with a mysterious partner to take on Zack Sabre Jr. and Bad Dude Tito.

NJPW released the following preview of the bout:

Matt Riddle surprised everyone at New Year Dash by challenging Hiroshi to a date that has not yet been announced. Riddle’s NJPW debut will be against Zack Sabre Jr., a wrestler he hasn’t faced since 2018.

ZSJ and Bad Dude Tito will be teamed up for this reunion. Sabre is also preparing for his requested match with Bryan Danielson. But who has Riddle in his corner?

Will Ospreay will face his former mentor Kazuchika OKada in the Battle in the Valley’s singles match.

The card announced for the next event is:

Will Ospreay against Kazuchika Okay

Shingo Takagi and Jon Moxley: No Disqualification

Eddie Kingston (c), vs Gabe Kidd – AEW Continental Crown Championship

Matt Riddle & X vs Zack Sabre Jr & Bad Dude Tito

Giulia(c) vs Trish Adona – NJPW Strong Women’s Championship

El Phantasmo & Hikuleo vs Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors NJPW STRONG Tag Team Championship

TJP vs David Finlay

Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr vs Rocky Romero & Soberano Jr.

Shota Umino vs Team Filthy: Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs & Shota umino

WWE released Matt Riddle in September 2023.