Aries Accepts Riddle Challenge for MLW National Openweight Title

Austin Aries has accepted Matt Riddle's challenge for the MLW National Openweight Championship. The title match is scheduled for Saturday Night SuperFight on November 7 at 8 PM ET from Chicago's Cicero Stadium. The event will stream live exclusively on VEEPS.

Riddle spent weeks on Fusion pressing for a title fight. Aries initially responded with insults and excuses, stating that nothing Riddle did would convince him to defend the championship. Aries claimed he alone dictated the terms of his title defenses and that Riddle had not earned a shot.

During an earlier exchange, Riddle said everyone knew he would smoke the champion. Aries threatened to knock Riddle out any time except that day. Aries later doubled down in an interview, maintaining he could not be pressured into a title defense.

The situation changed during their latest confrontation on Fusion. After Aries dismissed the remaining Opera Cup tournament field, Riddle reminded him their paths could still cross. Aries mocked Riddle's MMA background and boasted about his own training and connections.

Riddle then directly challenged Aries to put the National Openweight Championship on the line. When Aries tried to walk away, Riddle's parting insult brought him back. Aries agreed to the match, declaring it would take place at SuperFight.