Matt Riddle
A brash and outspoken fighter who traded the UFC octagon for the WWE ring, becoming a popular but controversial figure in sports entertainment.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter·Birthday: January 14·Millennials
Biography
Matt Riddle's path to fame was anything but conventional. First making waves as a brash young prospect on 'The Ultimate Fighter', he carved out a solid record in the UFC before his release due to failed drug tests. Unfazed, he pivoted to professional wrestling, bringing his legitimate fighting credentials and an unapologetic, laid-back persona to the independent circuit. His success there led to WWE, where 'The Original Bro'—with his flip-flops, catchphrases, and explosive in-ring style—quickly connected with fans. His tag team partnership with Randy Orton, RK-Bro, became a runaway hit. However, Riddle's career has been consistently punctuated by controversy and public disputes, ensuring his story remains one of undeniable talent intertwined with perpetual turbulence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship alongside Randy Orton as part of the popular RK-Bro duo.
- Achieved an undefeated streak in NXT and won the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with Pete Dunne.
- Former UFC fighter with a professional MMA record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and 2 no contests.
- Became a top star on the independent wrestling circuit, winning titles in promotions like EVOLVE and WWN.
Did You Know?
He is known for his signature barefoot entrance in the wrestling ring.
Riddle has openly discussed his use of medical marijuana for pain management.
He was released from the UFC after testing positive for marijuana on two occasions.
Before fighting, he worked as a plumber and as a landscaper.
“Bro, I'm here to fight and have a good time.”
