During Major League Wrestling’s (MLW) recent “Symphony of Horrors” special, former WWE superstar Matt Riddle delivered a pointed shot at Brock Lesnar, intensifying an ongoing rivalry that has sparked intrigue among wrestling fans. The Halloween-themed event, streamed for free on MLW’s YouTube channel on October 25, 2025, featured high-stakes championship matches and significant storyline developments, but Riddle’s backstage confrontation stole headlines.
Matt Riddle’s Bold Backstage Confrontation
In a backstage segment that quickly became the talk of the wrestling community, Matt Riddle confronted MLW’s matchmaker, Cesar Duran, about his lack of a shot at the MLW World Title. Riddle, who is a former world champion, expressed frustration over the promotion’s matchmaking decisions. In a sharp jab, he remarked that Duran’s matchmaking was “worse than Brock Lesnar,” clearly referencing the former WWE Universal Champion’s influence and reputation for controlling match outcomes[5].
This was not Riddle’s first public criticism of Lesnar. Over the years, Riddle has cast doubts on Lesnar’s in-ring capabilities and professionalism, including claims he could defeat Lesnar and criticisms over Lesnar’s abrupt ending of a WWE Elimination Chamber match in early 2022. The latest remark adds fuel to a long-standing feud that fans follow closely[5].
A source close to MLW noted, “Matt has always been outspoken, especially about WWE politics. His shot at Brock isn’t just about one insult it’s the culmination of years of frustration with how top guys sometimes control opportunities behind the scenes”[5].
Highlights from MLW Symphony of Horrors
Beyond the backstage drama, the Symphony of Horrors show delivered a jam-packed two-hour special filled with thrilling matches and storyline progressions:
MLW National Openweight Championship: Blue Panther successfully retained his title by submitting both Atlantis and Rugido in a triple threat match, showcasing his technical prowess.
MLW World Tag Team Championship: The Skyscrapers, Donovan Dijak and Bishop Dyer, retained their belts through a disqualification against former WWE star Matt Riddle and Mads Krule Krüger, setting up future tension and potential rematches.
Opera Cup Semifinals: Volador Jr. and Mistico advanced by defeating Satoshi Kojima and Austin Aries, respectively, placing them in strong positions for the upcoming final at MLW’s Lucha de los Muertos event on November 20 in Charleston, South Carolina.
MLW World Middleweight Championship: Templario held off Virus in a hard-fought contest to keep his title.
Other first-time and rare matchups, such as a five-way scramble featuring Diego Hill, Magnus, Okumura, Stigma, and Ikuro Kwon, added further excitement and unpredictability to the card[1].
The Build-Up to Lucha de los Muertos and Riddle’s Future
The Symphony of Horrors also acted as a narrative bridge toward MLW’s Lucha de los Muertos event, where the upcoming Opera Cup final will take place, promising high-caliber wrestling action[2][6]. Meanwhile, Matt Riddle’s dissatisfaction with his current bookings and pointed remarks have sparked speculation about his future trajectory in MLW.
“Riddle’s blast at Lesnar is more than just a dig; it’s a statement about his ambitions here. He wants to reclaim the spotlight he feels he earned,” an insider commented. “Whether this leads to a title rematch or a more personal feud with top MWL management remains to be seen, but the buzz is definitely on his side”[5].
Context Behind the Feud with Brock Lesnar
Matt Riddle’s criticism of Brock Lesnar taps into a larger narrative entwined with WWE history and recent controversies. Lesnar’s WWE tenure has been marked not only by his dominant in-ring persona but also by off-screen issues including legal entanglements related to a high-profile lawsuit involving Vince McMahon. Lesnar was named in an amended complaint accusing WWE corporate canons of serious misconduct, although he is not a defendant in the case[5].
These off-screen complications have shaded Lesnar’s legacy and offered former WWE talents like Riddle additional leverage to question his role and influence. Riddle’s recent statements may also highlight frustrations within the wrestling community surrounding how certain wrestlers maintain preferential treatment and booking dominance, restricting opportunities for others.
What’s Next for Matt Riddle and MLW?
With the Halloween special behind them, MLW appears keen to capitalize on the momentum created by Symphony of Horrors as it heads into its November 20 Lucha de los Muertos event. The event will feature returning stars like Killer Kross and Scarlett, and the presence of wrestling legend Arn Anderson, adding prestige and anticipation[6].
For Matt Riddle, this period marks a crossroads. As a charismatic and outspoken talent, his efforts to challenge the status quo including outspoken jabs at figures like Lesnar may position him for bigger storylines and possibly another run at the MLW World Title.
A backstage MLW source revealed: “Riddle’s energy isn’t going unnoticed. The company values his ability to connect with fans, and his willingness to stir up conversation could lead to bigger opportunities soon. It’s a matter of timing and the right storyline to elevate him further”[5].