In 2018, professional wrestlers Low Ki and Matt Riddle were scheduled to face each other at Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport, an event organized by Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) on April 5, 2018, in Kenner, Louisiana.
This event was unique for its matches contested without ropes, where victory could only be achieved by knockout or submission.
However, prior to the event, Low Ki withdrew from the match due to a neck injury sustained during training.
He proposed an alternative plan where he would appear at the show, remove himself from the match, and appoint MVP as his replacement.
This idea was declined by GCW, as MVP wasn’t booked for the event, and accommodating this change on short notice would have incurred considerable expense.
Consequently, GCW secured Minoru Suzuki as Riddle’s new opponent. The main event proceeded with Riddle vs. Suzuki, delivering a memorable match that concluded with Suzuki embracing Riddle—a rare gesture from Suzuki.
Following the event, a dispute arose between Low Ki and GCW regarding the deposit he received for the appearance.
GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale requested the return of the deposit, stating that since Low Ki did not perform, the funds should be refunded.
Low Ki defended his decision to retain the deposit, explaining that it was intended to secure his appearance and grant GCW advertising rights, which he fulfilled by traveling to New Orleans and making efforts to participate in the event despite his injury.
The Match That Never Happened: Low Ki vs. Matt Riddle
It was supposed to be a hard-hitting showdown—Low Ki vs. Matt Riddle at Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport in 2018.
However, the highly anticipated match never took place, leaving fans disappointed and curious about what went wrong.
Low Ki, known for his intensity and technical prowess, withdrew from the match due to a neck injury sustained during training.
While he proposed a replacement plan involving MVP, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) declined, leading to Minoru Suzuki stepping in against Riddle instead.
The situation sparked controversy, especially regarding the non-refundable deposit Low Ki received for his appearance.
GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale requested its return, arguing that since Low Ki didn’t perform, he should refund the money.
However, Low Ki defended his stance, stating he had still promoted the event and traveled to New Orleans.
This unexpected turn of events added drama and debate to an already exciting event, leaving fans wondering what could have been had Low Ki and Matt Riddle faced off in the ring.
Why Low Ki Withdrew: The Neck Injury & Fallout
Leading up to Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport in 2018, Low Ki was set to face Matt Riddle in a highly anticipated, no-ropes, knockout-or-submission-only match.
However, just before the event, Low Ki withdrew, citing a neck injury suffered during training.
The Injury & Low Ki’s Proposal
Rather than pulling out completely, Low Ki suggested a workaround—he would appear at the event, publicly remove himself from the match, and appoint MVP as his replacement.
However, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) declined the proposal, as MVP was not originally booked, and securing him on short notice would have been too costly.
GCW’s Reaction & Minoru Suzuki’s Replacement
With Low Ki officially out, GCW had to make a last-minute adjustment. They secured Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki as Riddle’s new opponent, turning an unfortunate situation into a dream match for many fans.
The Deposit Controversy
The fallout didn’t end there. GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale requested Low Ki return the deposit he had received for the appearance.
Since Low Ki didn’t wrestle, Lauderdale believed the money should be refunded. However, Low Ki refused, arguing that the payment was for advertising rights and his presence at the event, both of which he fulfilled by traveling to New Orleans.
The Aftermath
The situation led to heated discussions among fans and wrestlers, with some supporting Low Ki’s decision and others siding with GCW.
Although the match never happened, it remains a controversial moment in independent wrestling history, leaving fans wondering what could have been if Low Ki and Matt Riddle had clashed in the ring.
GCW’s Response: How Minoru Suzuki Replaced Low Ki
When Low Ki withdrew from his scheduled Bloodsport match against Matt Riddle in 2018, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) was forced to make a last-minute decision.
With fans expecting a hard-hitting main event, GCW had to find a worthy replacement—and they did just that by bringing in Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki.
GCW Rejects Low Ki’s Proposal
After suffering a neck injury, Low Ki suggested an alternative: he would appear at the event, step aside, and introduce MVP as his replacement.
However, GCW rejected the idea, citing logistical and financial constraints—MVP wasn’t originally booked, and securing him last-minute would be too expensive.
Minoru Suzuki Steps In
Instead, GCW pulled off a major surprise by securing Minoru Suzuki, a legend in Japanese wrestling known for his brutal striking and submission expertise.
The announcement immediately hyped up the event, as Suzuki was a dream opponent for Matt Riddle in a no-ropes, knockout-or-submission setting.
Matt Riddle vs. Minoru Suzuki: A Bloodsport Classic
Despite the unexpected change, Riddle vs. Suzuki delivered a match to remember. The two engaged in a hard-hitting war, with Suzuki ultimately defeating Riddle in an intense showdown.
In a rare moment, Suzuki embraced Riddle post-match, showing his respect for the former UFC fighter.
The Fallout & Legacy
While Low Ki’s withdrawal sparked controversy, GCW’s quick pivot to Minoru Suzuki turned a setback into a major success.
The match helped solidify Bloodsport as a must-watch event and proved that even last-minute changes could lead to unexpected classics.
The Controversial Deposit: Low Ki vs. GCW Dispute
When Low Ki withdrew from his scheduled match against Matt Riddle at Bloodsport 2018, it didn’t just leave fans disappointed—it also led to a financial dispute between Low Ki and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) over a non-refundable deposit.
GCW’s Stance: “No Match, No Money”
Since Low Ki was paid in advance to secure his appearance, GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale requested that he return the deposit, arguing that he did not fulfill his obligation to wrestle.
From GCW’s perspective, the payment was for the match itself, and since Low Ki didn’t compete, the money should be refunded.
Low Ki’s Defense: “I Held Up My End”
Low Ki refused to return the money, maintaining that the deposit was for advertising rights and his presence at the event, both of which he fulfilled by traveling to New Orleans and promoting the match before his injury.
He also pointed out that he proposed a replacement (MVP) to still contribute to the show, but GCW rejected it.
The Fallout: Divided Opinions
The dispute sparked heated debates among wrestling fans and insiders. Some supported GCW’s stance, believing that wrestlers should only be paid if they perform, while others sided with Low Ki, arguing that a non-refundable deposit means just that—regardless of whether he wrestled or not.
Did Anyone Win?
While GCW salvaged the event by replacing Low Ki with Minoru Suzuki, the financial dispute left a lasting stain on the situation.
It served as a cautionary tale about the business side of wrestling, where handshake agreements and pre-paid bookings can lead to unexpected controversies.
Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport: What Fans Missed Out On
Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport in 2018 was set to deliver a gritty, no-ropes, knockout-or-submission-only showdown between Matt Riddle and Low Ki.
However, when Low Ki pulled out due to a neck injury, fans were left wondering what could have been.
A Dream Match That Never Happened
Low Ki and Matt Riddle both have legitimate striking and submission backgrounds, making their clash a perfect fit for Bloodsport’s unique format.
Fans expected a hard-hitting, technical battle, blending Riddle’s MMA skills with Low Ki’s stiff striking and grappling expertise.
What Would the Fight Have Looked Like?
Had the match gone on as planned, we likely would have seen:
- Fast-paced striking exchanges, with Low Ki’s kicks vs. Riddle’s Muay Thai.
- High-level grappling, as both men have strong ground games.
- A brutal, realistic finish, fitting Bloodsport’s knockout/submission-only rules.
Minoru Suzuki Steps In
Despite the disappointment, GCW managed to save the event by bringing in Japanese legend Minoru Suzuki as Riddle’s new opponent.
While this thrilled fans, the “what if?” surrounding Riddle vs. Low Ki remains one of the biggest missed opportunities in Bloodsport history.
Could It Still Happen?
With both wrestlers having taken different career paths, the likelihood of this match happening now is slim.
But for wrestling fans, the idea of Matt Riddle vs. Low Ki in a Bloodsport-style setting remains a fantasy booking dream that will always leave us wondering what could have been.
Fun Facts About Low Ki and Matt Riddle
Low Ki’s Unique Traits & Career Moments
- Low Ki’s deep, gravelly voice was inspired by Kevin Conroy’s Batman from Batman: The Animated Series.
- He won WWE NXT Season 2 under the name Kaval, but left the company soon after.
- Known for his stiff striking style, he helped shape the modern independent wrestling scene.
- He once turned down a WWE return because he didn’t want to wear a suit backstage.
- Low Ki has held world titles in ROH, MLW, and TNA, proving his dominance across multiple promotions.
Matt Riddle’s MMA & Wrestling Journey
- Before wrestling, Matt Riddle was an undefeated UFC fighter, but was released due to failed drug tests for marijuana.
- His “Bro” persona isn’t just a gimmick—it’s his real-life laid-back attitude.
- Riddle transitioned to wrestling in 2014, becoming a top star in EVOLVE and PWG before joining WWE.
- He is one of the few wrestlers to excel in both pro wrestling and legitimate MMA-style matches.
- His match against Minoru Suzuki at Bloodsport became an instant classic, despite originally being booked to face Low Ki.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Ki and Matt Riddle
Why did Low Ki vs. Matt Riddle never happen at Bloodsport 2018?
Low Ki pulled out of the match due to a neck injury, leading GCW to replace him with Minoru Suzuki. This last-minute change turned into a classic showdown, but fans were still left wondering what could have been.
Did Low Ki and Matt Riddle ever wrestle each other?
No, they have never faced off in a one-on-one match. Their Bloodsport 2018 booking was the closest they came to a showdown.
What is Low Ki known for in wrestling?
Low Ki is known for his stiff striking, intense persona, and technical grappling. He has competed in WWE (as Kaval), TNA, ROH, NJPW, and MLW, winning championships in multiple promotions.
Did Matt Riddle really fight in the UFC?
Yes, Matt Riddle was a legitimate UFC fighter, winning several fights before being released due to multiple marijuana-related suspensions. He later transitioned to pro wrestling and found major success.
What happened between Low Ki and GCW after Bloodsport 2018?
There was a financial dispute over Low Ki’s non-refundable deposit. GCW wanted him to return the money since he didn’t wrestle, but Low Ki refused, claiming he upheld his end of the agreement by promoting the event and offering a replacement.
Conclusion About Low Ki and Matt Riddle
The wrestling careers of Low Ki and Matt Riddle have been filled with intensity, controversy, and unforgettable moments.
While their highly anticipated Bloodsport 2018 match never happened, both men have left a lasting impact on the industry in their own ways.
Low Ki remains a respected yet polarizing figure, known for his stiff striking, no-nonsense attitude, and influence on independent wrestling.
His dedication to his craft has earned him championships in ROH, MLW, TNA, and NJPW, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous competitors in the ring.
Matt Riddle, on the other hand, successfully transitioned from MMA to pro wrestling, capturing WWE gold and becoming a fan-favorite with his laid-back “Bro” persona.
Despite his departure from WWE, his legacy in Bloodsport, EVOLVE, and the independent scene remains strong.
