The beef between Low Ki and Matt Riddle can be traced back to April 2018, during the buildup to Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport, a special event hosted by Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) during WrestleMania weekend.
Originally, Low Ki was scheduled to face Matt Riddle in the main event, a match that had wrestling fans excited due to their contrasting styles—Low Ki’s stiff, hard-hitting strikes vs. Riddle’s MMA-influenced grappling.
However, tensions rose when Low Ki withdrew from the match, citing a neck injury. GCW quickly replaced him with Minoru Suzuki, but what should have been a simple cancellation turned into a heated controversy.
The real drama started when GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale accused Low Ki of keeping the deposit he was paid for the match, despite pulling out.
According to Lauderdale, Low Ki had been unresponsive, failed to complete athletic commission paperwork, and even tried to push MVP as his substitute instead of Suzuki.
Low Ki, on the other hand, defended himself, stating that he fulfilled his commitment by traveling to New Orleans and that GCW had canceled his hotel reservation.
He claimed he was entitled to keep the deposit because he had done his part in promoting the event.
The Bloodsport Booking Controversy
The controversy surrounding Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport event in April 2018 began when Low Ki, originally scheduled to face Matt Riddle in the main event, pulled out at the last minute.
He cited a neck injury, but what followed was a heated dispute between Low Ki, GCW, and Matt Riddle.
Low Ki’s Withdrawal & GCW’s Reaction
GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale publicly claimed that Low Ki not only backed out but also kept the deposit he was paid for the match. Lauderdale accused Low Ki of:
- Ignoring communication attempts in the days leading up to the event.
- Failing to complete required paperwork with the athletic commission.
- Attempting to introduce MVP as his replacement instead of allowing GCW to choose a new opponent.
With Low Ki out, GCW quickly booked Minoru Suzuki as Riddle’s opponent, delivering a brutal, highly praised match that became the highlight of the event.
Low Ki’s Side of the Story
In response, Low Ki released a video statement defending his actions. He claimed that:
- His deposit was not match-dependent but covered his appearance and promotional obligations.
- He traveled to New Orleans despite his injury, meaning he had done his part.
- GCW canceled his hotel reservation, forcing him to cover his own lodging.
This led to ongoing tension between Low Ki, Matt Riddle, and GCW, with fans debating whether Low Ki was justified in keeping the money or if he had “gone into business for himself.”
The Money Dispute: Who Was in the Right?
One of the biggest points of contention in the Low Ki vs. Matt Riddle feud was the money dispute.
After Low Ki pulled out of his scheduled match against Matt Riddle at Bloodsport 2018, GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale accused him of keeping his deposit despite not competing.
GCW’s Argument: Low Ki Should Have Refunded the Money
According to GCW, Low Ki was paid a deposit to secure his participation in the event. However, after pulling out due to a neck injury, GCW expected him to return the money since he didn’t wrestle. Lauderdale also claimed that:
- Low Ki ignored communication attempts leading up to the event.
- He failed to complete the necessary paperwork, suggesting he never intended to compete.
- He allegedly tried to push MVP as his replacement, rather than allowing GCW to find their own substitute.
From GCW’s perspective, Low Ki failed to fulfill his contractual obligations and was wrong to keep the payment.
Low Ki’s Defense: He Earned the Deposit
In response, Low Ki defended himself, claiming that his deposit was not just for wrestling, but for his overall appearance and promotional work. He argued that:
- He traveled to New Orleans as agreed, meaning he honored his commitment.
- The deposit was meant to secure his name for promotion, which GCW had already used.
- His hotel reservation was canceled by GCW, forcing him to cover his own lodging.
Low Ki believed that since he showed up, he was entitled to keep the money.
Who Was in the Right?
This situation boils down to how wrestling deposits work. If the payment was strictly for wrestling, GCW had a strong case. But if it also covered promotional appearances, Low Ki may have been within his rights to keep the money.
Minoru Suzuki Steps In: The Replacement Main Event
With Low Ki pulling out of Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport 2018, GCW scrambled to find a worthy replacement for the main event.
The stakes were high—fans were expecting a hard-hitting, MMA-style fight, and a lackluster substitute could have derailed the entire show.
Minoru Suzuki Saves the Day
Enter Minoru Suzuki, a Japanese wrestling legend and one of the most feared shoot-style fighters in the industry.
Known for his brutal striking, submission skills, and sadistic in-ring style, Suzuki was the perfect choice to replace Low Ki.
- His background in Pancrase (a real MMA organization he co-founded) made him a natural fit for Bloodsport’s unique ruleset.
- Suzuki’s reputation as a no-nonsense, tough-as-nails fighter matched the event’s legitimacy.
- The booking instantly elevated the show, turning what could have been a disaster into a dream match.
Matt Riddle vs. Minoru Suzuki: A Brutal War
The main event did not disappoint. Suzuki and Riddle engaged in a stiff, physical fight, blending MMA techniques, grappling, and vicious strikes.
The crowd was electric as both men delivered an intense battle that felt real—a perfect representation of what Bloodsport was meant to be.
In the end, Suzuki emerged victorious, but the real winner was the event itself. Fans praised the match as one of the best on the show, and Suzuki’s involvement gave Bloodsport even more credibility moving forward.
The Fallout
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama with Low Ki, Matt Riddle vs. Minoru Suzuki became a standout moment in GCW’s history.
The match helped solidify Bloodsport as a must-watch event and further established Riddle as a rising star before his move to WWE.
Fallout & Lasting Impact on Both Wrestlers
The Matt Riddle vs. Low Ki Bloodsport controversy had a lasting effect on both men’s careers, influencing their reputations and opportunities in the wrestling industry.
Matt Riddle: A Rising Star Moves On
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Matt Riddle came out of the situation relatively unscathed.
In fact, his match with Minoru Suzuki at Bloodsport 2018 turned out to be a career-defining moment.
- The match was widely praised, showcasing Riddle’s ability to hang with a legendary, hard-hitting fighter.
- It further cemented his MMA-wrestling hybrid style, making him one of the most sought-after free agents.
- Just months later, WWE signed him, bringing him into NXT and eventually the main roster, where he became a tag team champion and a top-tier singles competitor.
While Riddle later had his own controversies in WWE, this particular incident did not harm his trajectory—if anything, it gave him an even bigger spotlight at the time.
Low Ki: Another Burned Bridge?
For Low Ki, the situation added to his reputation for being difficult to work with.
- Fans and promoters saw his refusal to return the deposit as unprofessional, reinforcing past criticisms about his business dealings.
- GCW, a promotion that had been gaining traction in the independent wrestling boom, effectively severed ties with him.
- While he continued wrestling in MLW and other promotions, his name wasn’t in high demand for major independent wrestling supercards like Bloodsport going forward.
Low Ki’s undeniable talent has always been overshadowed by backstage controversies, and this incident only added fuel to the fire.
The Bigger Picture
This situation highlighted the importance of reliability and professionalism in the wrestling business.
While Riddle used the controversy as a stepping stone, Low Ki’s handling of the situation reinforced the perception that working with him could be risky for promoters.
Fun Facts About Low Ki and Matt Riddle Beef
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It All Started Over a No-Show
The entire feud began when Low Ki pulled out of Bloodsport 2018, citing a neck injury, but GCW accused him of dodging the match and keeping his deposit.
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Minoru Suzuki Was a Last-Minute Replacement
With Low Ki out, GCW booked Japanese legend Minoru Suzuki on short notice, turning what could’ve been a disaster into a dream match for fans.
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Matt Riddle Took Shots at Low Ki
After the event, Riddle publicly mocked Low Ki, questioning his toughness and implying that he was afraid to fight him in a real shoot-style match.
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Low Ki Claimed He Was the Real Victim
In response, Low Ki released a video statement, saying he had fulfilled his obligations and that GCW canceled his hotel, forcing him to cover expenses out of pocket.
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This Wasn’t Low Ki’s First Business Dispute
Low Ki has a history of walking out on promotions, from WWE to TNA to NJPW, often due to issues with contracts, money, or creative direction.
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GCW’s Promoter Called Him Out
GCW’s Brett Lauderdale went public with the situation, calling Low Ki unprofessional and insisting that he should have returned the deposit.
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Matt Riddle Came Out on Top
Despite the drama, Riddle’s match with Suzuki stole the show, and within months, he signed with WWE, launching his mainstream wrestling career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Ki and Matt Riddle Beef
Why did Low Ki and Matt Riddle have beef?
The feud started when Low Ki pulled out of his scheduled Bloodsport 2018 match against Matt Riddle, citing a neck injury. However, GCW and Riddle accused him of being unprofessional and keeping his deposit despite not competing.
Did Low Ki really dodge the fight?
While Low Ki claimed he was legitimately injured, Matt Riddle and GCW implied that he may have backed out intentionally. Riddle even suggested that Low Ki was afraid to face him in a real shoot-style fight.
Why did Minoru Suzuki replace Low Ki?
After Low Ki dropped out, GCW quickly booked Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki as his replacement. The match with Matt Riddle ended up being a huge success, saving the event from disaster.
Did Low Ki ever return the deposit?
No. Low Ki kept the money he was given for the match, arguing that he still traveled to New Orleans and had fulfilled his obligations. GCW and its promoter, Brett Lauderdale, disagreed, saying he should have refunded the deposit since he didn’t wrestle.
Conclusion About Low Ki and Matt Riddle Beef
The Low Ki vs. Matt Riddle Bloodsport controversy was a clash of personalities, professionalism, and business ethics that left a lasting impact on both men’s careers.
For Matt Riddle, what could have been a setback turned into an opportunity. His match with Minoru Suzuki was a career-defining moment, earning him widespread praise and helping him secure a WWE contract soon after.
The controversy didn’t slow him down—it only added to his reputation as a fighter unafraid of challenges.
On the other hand, Low Ki’s decision to keep his deposit fueled the perception that he was difficult to work with.
While he remained active in MLW and other indie promotions, the fallout from this incident likely cost him future opportunities in major independent wrestling events like Bloodsport.
Ultimately, this beef highlighted the importance of professionalism in wrestling. While Riddle used the situation to boost his career, Low Ki’s handling of the dispute further damaged his reputation in the industry.
