Matt Riddle, MLW World Heavyweight Champion via (MLW)
Originally published on March 14, 2025.
The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.
When MLW’s Battle RIOT comes around, you know you’re in for pure, unfiltered carnage — the kind of chaos that turns careers into legends and friendships into collateral damage. But this year? This year is different. This year, the MLW World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, and reigning champion Matt Riddle isn’t just entering the storm — he is the storm.
With 39 other wrestlers gunning for him, Riddle is stepping into a match where the odds are laughably against him. This isn’t your typical title defense where he can keep one eye on an opponent and the other on an escape plan. No, sir. This is a battlefield where eliminations come by pinfall, submission, or getting tossed over the ropes, and there is nowhere to hide.
So let’s break it down. Who’s coming for Riddle? Who’s got the biggest target on their back? And when the dust settles, who’s most likely to be holding MLW’s top prize?
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor: The Biggest X-Factor
Tom Lawlor is a walking paradox: unpredictable yet calculated, ruthless but methodical. A former MLW World Heavyweight Champion and the very first Battle RIOT winner, Lawlor has done this dance before. And let’s be real — he wants that two-time Battle RIOT winner title.
But here’s where it gets messy: Matt Riddle, Lawlor’s Filthy Bro, is the champ. Do we really believe friendship means a damn thing when gold is at stake? This is wrestling, people. We’ve seen best friends stab each other in the back for less. And while Lawlor could play nice, history tells us he won’t hesitate to go scorched earth if the moment presents itself. If these two end up as the last men standing, get ready for an absolute war.
Donovan Dijak: The Walking Doomsday
There’s a certain level of dread that comes with seeing Donovan Dijak’s name on a match graphic. The man is a human wrecking ball, a one-man demolition crew, and he’s already made it clear that he’s got unfinished business with Lawlor. But here’s the thing — Dijak doesn’t just want to ruin Lawlor’s night. He wants to take everything. That includes Riddle’s championship.
Dijak is the kind of competitor who thrives in anarchy, and this match is a lawless playground. With eliminations possible via pinfall or submission, his size and power advantage make him a huge threat to anyone in his way.
The Wild Cards: Kojima, Atlantis Jr., and the Mystery Men
One of the most exciting aspects of any Battle RIOT is the surprises, and with MLW opening the forbidden door to promotions like NJPW and CMLL, we could see some serious heavy hitters make an impact.
Satoshi Kojima is a certified legend, a decorated warrior who doesn’t just step into fights — he runs into them. The man throws lariats like they owe him money, and while age may not be on his side, experience sure as hell is.
Atlantis Jr. is stepping into enemy territory, but lucha stars thrive in chaotic environments. His mix of high-flying precision and technical excellence could make him a dangerous dark horse.
And let’s not forget the potential for mystery entrants. MLW loves to shock the system, and if we get a game-changing debut or a returning superstar, this whole thing could flip on its head.
Matt Riddle: The Defending Champion and the Man with Everything to Lose
Let’s talk about the man at the center of this insanity. Matt Riddle is walking into the most dangerous match of his life, defending the MLW World Heavyweight Championship against an entire army. Most champions get the luxury of one opponent to strategize against — Riddle gets 39.
His MMA background, explosive offense, and inhuman stamina will serve him well, but he has to survive everyone. And what’s worse? Everyone has a reason to target him. You’re not just eliminating another guy — you’re taking out the champion and claiming the biggest prize in MLW.
Riddle thrives in scrappy fights, but this is an entirely different beast. If he somehow pulls this off and retains the title, it will be one of the most impressive feats in MLW history. But if he loses? His reign could end in the most humiliating way possible — by getting dumped over the top rope like a sack of garbage.
So Who’s Winning This Thing?
- If you want chaos and heartbreak, Tom Lawlor wins by last eliminating Riddle, proving that friendships don’t exist when a title is on the line.
- If you want absolute destruction, Donovan Dijak steamrolls through the competition and emerges as the new champion.
- If MLW wants to shake things up, a surprise entrant could shock the world and steal the entire match.
No matter what happens, Battle RIOT VII is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable, must-see events in MLW history. The only guarantee? When the final bell rings, the MLW landscape will never be the same.
And that, my friends, is the beauty of Battle RIOT.
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