Matt Riddle lost his NJPW World Television Championship to Zack Sabre Jr. at the Windy City Riot PPV, but his actions following the match landed him in controversy.

Following his release from WWE in September 2023, Matt Riddle started performing in the independent circuit. He returned to Major League Wrestling in December 2023 and made his New Japan Pro Wrestling debut in January 2024.

He followed it up by defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW’s The New Beginning in Sapporo event in February 2024 to win the NJPW World Television Championship.

After two successful title defenses in MLW, Riddle put his championship on the line against Zack Sabre Jr. at the NJPW Windy City Riot PPV. Zack Sabre Jr. picked up the win by rolling up Matt Riddle for the pin and lifted the NJPW World Television Championship for the second time.

However, Matt Riddle caused some controversy after the match as he no-sold the loss and got out of the ring immediately after taking the pin. He left the ring and walked to the back, laughing and dancing, without regard for the outcome.

Zack Sabre Jr. was visibly upset with Riddle while celebrating in the ring, and it has raised speculations if Riddle would get any backstage heat for his actions.