With rumors Matt Riddle has signed a contract with WWE and will appear at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV, he just dropped the Evolve Championship adding more fuel to the fire and virtually cementing his arrival.

The rumors of Riddle to WWE started when he dropped out of a few independent wrestling shows that were scheduled to take place around the time of the NXT TakeOver event on Aug. 18, 2018. As he canceled appearances, leaving only Evolve as a promotion he was committed to, it was speculated he kept that commitment because of Evolve's ties to WWE.  When he then dropped the Evolve title to Shane Strickland over the weekend at EVOLVE 108 in Philadelphia — which ended Riddle's reign at 122 days — most saw that as sign WWE was right around the corner.

Riddle, the former MMA fighter turned pro wrestler, has been lighting up the independent wrestling scene since focusing full-time on professional wrestling. A star in the making, he's been kept out of WWE likely because of a few positive tests for marijuana. But, there's no denying his talent in the ring. It was only a matter of time before that past wouldn't derail his future and WWE would give him the green light.

Riddle did not make a comment about losing the title and heading to WWE nor did Strickland mention Riddle after gaining the belt but that could be because WWE wants to keep Riddles appearance at NXT a secret. The Evolve website itself only says, "EVOLVE Champion Matt Riddle has been the subject of rumors... Riddle is confirmed for all four August EVOLVE events." They go on to say that "if" Riddle is the champion, he will defend his title and that he will miss the September weekend "due to previously approved personal obligations."

It is assumed those previous obligations are WWE, namely NXT appearances. RingsideNews.com was first to report that Riddle had signed a three-year deal with WWE, a report to which Dave Meltzer has seemingly confirmed.

Making things even more interesting, there is a rumor going around the WWE is toying with the idea of having Riddle replace a potentially injured Aleister Black in the Triple Threat match at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 4 with Riddle, who in a shocking turn, would win the NXT Title upon his debut.

NEXT: WWE RUMORED TO SIGN INDIE STAR MATT RIDDLE BEFORE TAKEOVER: BROOKLYN