MLW's Matt Striker Deletes Post About 'Tone Deaf' Defence Of Matt Riddle

Matt Striker may no longer feel his comments about Matt Riddle were "wrong" and "tone deaf." 

Striker is a commentator for Major League Wrestling and he was on the call for MLW Kings of Colosseum on Saturday night, including for Matt Riddle's MLW return match against Jacob Fatu. Striker drew criticism, though, after he said about Riddle: "He's from another world. How do you let this guy go? This guy is a star, a mega-million dollar star. I don't care what he does. How do you let him go? This is our coup de grâce right here."

Striker then later added: "Let's talk about the elephant in the room. The court of public opinion would love to see Jacob Fatu slap the taste out of Matt Riddle's mouth. But the court of public opinion does not convict, I'm sorry. I know it's the world in which we live, but it's not the case. He can do whatever he wants, he can kick your ass. Anyone out there (has) got a problem with him, step to him out on the street, watch what happens. End of conversation."

Striker initially defended himself on X (FKA Twitter) following the MLW special but he tweeted out an apology of sorts on Sunday, writing: "I've given this a lot of thought. Could not sleep. My critics are right. I was wrong. Tone deaf. Trying to use the guise of art or character portrayal is self preservation. Thank you to those that shone light on this. It is now on me to stand in that light. I will be better".

Striker has since deleted the post from X on Monday, while the posts defending himself from criticism remain on his timeline. There is no word on why Striker deleted the post stating he was "tone deaf." 

Matt Riddle remains a controversial figure in pro wrestling, having previously been accused of inappropriate behaviour. He was also named in the Speaking Out movement. 

The former WWE talent was released by the company in September 2023, having reportedly run out of chances after accusing a police officer of sexual assault. Following his MLW return, Riddle will make his NJPW debut at New Beginning in Sapporo. 

H/T POST Wrestling