Matt Striker says he was playing a character, comments about Matt Riddle during MLW broadcast were 'tone deaf'

Originally posted on Wrestling News | By Paul Davis | Last updated 1/7/24

Matt Striker posted a statement on his Twitter/X account after receiving a ton of backlash for his comments last night during the match between Matt Riddle and Jacob Fatu at the MLW Kings of Colosseum event that aired on Triller TV.

Striker said the following during the live broadcast:

"Let's talk about the elephant in the room: The court of public opinion would like to see Jacob Fatu slap the taste out of Matt Riddle's mouth. But the court of public opinion does not convict. I'm sorry, I know it's the world in which we live, but it's not the case."

“He can do whatever he wants. He can kick your ass. Anyone out there that’s got a problem with him? Step to him out on the street and see what happens. End of conversation.”

Striker later wrote on X: "Playing a character isn't always easy but getting the desired and necessary reaction is. Sorry."

He continued with a follow up tweet: "I play a heel (bad guy) character in wrestling. It's my job to raise the fan's ire and their job to have their ire raised. Tonight, we ALL did our jobs. It's a symbiotic relationship. With that said, please remember, that it's a character. my job is to get you to react"

Today, he stated that his critics are right for his "tone deaf" comments. Striker wrote: "I've given this a lot of thought. Could not sleep. My critics are right. I was wrong. Tone deaf. Trying to use the guise of art or character portrayal is self preservation. Thank you to those that shone light on this. It is now on me to stand in that light. I will be better"

Before working for MLW, Striker worked for Impact Wrestling and WWE, primarily as an announcer. Per his social media bio, he now works as the co-host of Bettor's Eye on the MLB Network.