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UFC and WWE fan communities have been clamouring for news on a potential Wrestlemania appearance for Conor McGregor in the past few weeks, but now it appears that another former UFC star could be making a move to Vince McMahon’s wrestling giant.

American Matthew Riddle made it to the UFC via reality show The Ultimate Fighter and racked up a record of 7 wins and 3 losses (9-3 before two wins were retroactively made a no contest), being released from the promotion on a four-fight win streak.

He has now revealed that he has been in talks to join the WWE.

Riddle was speaking before a meet-and-greet event at Over The Top Wrestling in Belfast’s Mandella Hall when he told Irish Daily Mirror of his situation with the company. “I don’t know what my situation is with the WWE,” he admitted at first.

“I’ve talked to [William] Regal [on-screen General Manager of developmental brand NXT] and I’ve talked to Triple H [off-screen Vice President of Talent Relations].

(Image: Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I’ve talked to everyone important there. They all like my work, they dig my stuff.”

Riddle was released from the UFC after testing positive for marijuana twice inside one year. He believes this plays a factor in his ability to work for the promotion, who’s wellness policy is famously strict. “I think the reason I was fired from the UFC [failing two drug tests within a year] is probably holding me back from signing for WWE.”

“But at the same time the fact I’m not a UFC fighter or a WWE Superstar isn’t exactly ‘holding me back’, it’s given me opportunities.”

In a recent conference call with members of the pro wrestling media, Triple H confirmed that Riddle was on the company’s radar, and that he has “a bright future” in the wrestling business.

Over The Top Wrestling brings their biggest show to date to Dublin National Stadium on April 18th, with wrestling royalty The Bullet Club (Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks) appearing.