Jim Ross Believes AEW Should Give Matt Riddle a Chance

Matt Riddle’s time in WWE was filled with controversies and personal issues, which eventually led to his surprising release last year. Despite these challenges, Riddle has mentioned that he spoke with Tony Khan, and Jim Ross believes AEW should consider giving him a chance.

Since parting ways with WWE, Riddle has been actively involved in various wrestling promotions, including Major League Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling, among others.

Recently, Riddle shared that his conversation with Tony Khan didn’t go as well as he had hoped. He found the encounter a bit awkward and was unsure if Khan liked him. Although Khan seemed happy and Riddle had previously wrestled Zack Sabre Jr. in Chicago, Riddle felt that his attempt at humor fell flat, leading him to walk away from the conversation.

Reports indicate that Tony Khan has shown little interest in signing Riddle to AEW in recent years, and most AEW talent rarely works with him on the independent circuit, aside from occasional appearances in Mexico.

While speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross talked about the possibility of Riddle joining AEW. He suggested that Riddle deserves a shot, acknowledging that while Tony Khan might be hesitant due to Riddle’s past issues, he is undeniably talented and has a unique look and style. Ross pointed out that talented wrestlers should not be overlooked, regardless of personal baggage, as they can still contribute positively to the company and attract fans.

”I don’t know if there’s an opportunity there or not. If they decided — I would suggest that he’d be given a shot. I understand Tony’s reluctance because Matt has a little baggage. How much that baggage weighs, I don’t know, but I know he’s a very talented kid, got a great look. He’s got that Kevin Von Erich look. He wrestles barefoot. I’ll never say never, I don’t know that it’s even on the drawing board, have no idea, that’s a Tony Khan thing, not nothing I’m involved in. Whatever Tony Khan does, I’ll do my best to make it work in my role. You can’t never turn your back on talented wrestlers who are still, I guess Matt Riddle is still in his early 30s, late 20s. He looks good, he’s got a unique style, he’s got good charisma. He brings something to the table and I learned from the cowboy many many years ago, Bill hired guys he didn’t like at all, but he knew they drew money. So, that’s what his priority, which it should have been, he was a one man band. Bringing guys in that would draw money would just help everybody, help everybody in the card when you stop to think about it.”

Matt Riddle also believes that he has a high chance of returning to WWE. We will have to wait and see whether The Original Bro will make his way to Tony Khan’s company, as Jim Ross certainly believes he should.

What’s your view on what Jim Ross had to say? Do you believe Matt Riddle deserves a shot in AEW? Sound off in the comments section below!