Matt Riddle turns heel at MLW Slaughterhouse, rebrands as The Rude Dude

Matt Riddle turned heel at Major League Wrestling's Slaughterhouse event on Saturday night in Long Beach, California, using outside interference and a low blow to defeat former MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone, then announcing the end of his long-running King of Bros persona and rechristening himself The Rude Dude.

The finish unfolded in chaotic fashion as Hammerstone appeared set to hit his Nightmare Pendulum finishing move. Mads Krugger intervened, attacking Hammerstone, and former WWE star Dijak entered the ring wielding a steel chair. With the referee temporarily incapacitated, Riddle delivered a low blow to Hammerstone before the official recovered and counted the three-count. After the match Riddle addressed the crowd, saying in part, "The King of Bros is dead and this is the era of The Rude Dude," and criticizing the audience for its reactions.

The change marks a clear character shift for Riddle, who rose from mixed martial arts into professional wrestling and became one of WWE's most popular babyfaces after signing in 2018. He built his reputation in NXT and on the main roster, winning the United States Championship and twice holding the Raw Tag Team...