Matt Riddle Hiroshi Tanahashi New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Photo Credit: New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Matt Riddle: I Like And Respect Timothy Thatcher, But I’m Gonna Smash Him

Matt Riddle has some interesting words to say about Timothy Thatcher.

The pair have recently been announced to be facing off against each other again. This match will be at MLW War Chamber, and will be the first time they’ve faced off since their Fight Pit match in NXT back in 2020.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, Riddle revealed he loved wrestling against Timothy Thatcher. He noted that he respects Thatcher’s style and work ethic, but vowed to “smash” him in the ring in their upcoming bout.

“I personally love it all. Styles make matches, and styles make fights. I think for somebody like me and Timothy Thatcher, we’re both extremely durable, we’re both very strong. If you don’t know Timothy Thatcher, he’s the kind of guy that just eats carrots and peanut butter, and does push ups and squats while he’s just chilling out all day.”

“The guy is a hard worker. He’s a grinder. I love that. When I first got into professional wrestling, I worked for a couple of companies, I used to feud with Timothy Thatcher repeatedly. He was a thorn in my side, I was a thorn in his side. We just fought each other a bunch. We even had a Fight Pit match in NXT. We’ve been at each other’s throats for a while. I do like Tim, I do respect Tim, but I’m gonna smash Tim.”

It adds to the experience

Timothy Thatcher spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard about the match with Riddle at MLW War Chamber. Thatcher is looking forward to the match, but he knows that defeating Riddle (again) is no easy task.

“Myself and Matt Riddle have wrestled in four different countries and have had quite the extent of battle. So… Dating all the way back to when he first started coming onto the independent scene in EVOLVE. It’s one of the first big matches he had. So, our history dates back a long time. The final one obviously being in NXT. So, yeah it is very important to having to battle again with Mr. Riddle,” Thatcher said.

“Personally we are very different people, but our mindset about professional wrestling I think is very similar. And that is important for every time we meet in the ring. Because we both believe professional wrestling should be hard-hitting, straightforward sportsman-like. So it does add to the environment, it adds to the fan’s experience. It’s very good. Any time I have a match with Mr. Riddle, I always am looking forward to it.”

MLW War Chamber takes place on March 29 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg.

Check out our full interview with Timothy Thatcher below:

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