Matt Riddle is one of the top names in independent professional wrestling right now, and as more reports surface, it looks as if he's set to become a star under the WWE banner (finally). Word regarding the deal the former UFC fighter has signed with WWE, as well as the company shooting for two other indie stars, is where we begin our look at some of the biggest headlines for Thursday, Aug, 2. 

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Matt Riddle reportedly signs, other indie stars contacted

The outlet RingsideNews.com was first to report that Riddle had signed a three-year deal with WWE, and one of the more reputable sources in the business has seemingly confirmed. Pegged on Twitter about Riddle agreeing to the long-term contract that would see him move to WWE, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter corroborated the rumor. 

Riddle's reported deal with WWE is not the only piece of information Meltzer has addressed regarding independent stars tied to WWE. 

In the latest of the Wrestling Observer [subscription required and recommended], Meltzer revealed that WWE has reached out to Mexican stars Pentagon Jr. and Fenix, who happen to also be real-life siblings. Most notable here in the United States for their work on the Lucha Underground television show, the two have recently been making appearances for Impact Wrestling after a crossover agreement with the El Rey Network show was reached. Pentagon, the more popular of the duo, even held the Impact world championship for a short amount of time. The only hold up in potentially reaching deals with the two, according to Meltzer, is that they may be tied to Lucha Underground for three more seasons. That does not necessarily mean they would not be able to get out of those deals should they be interested.

The independent pro wrestling scene is arguably the deepest that it has ever been, and apparently, WWE is not holding back in trying to capitalize. 

More WWE news, rumors

  • Also from this week's edition of the Observer, Rey Mysterio appears to be inching closer toward returning to WWE. The former world heavyweight champion's final independent dates are in early September, meaning a return to WWE could be in the cards shortly after he competes on the All In independent super show being presented by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks in Chicago on Sept. 1. It was announced this week that Mysterio will team with Bandido & Fenix to take on Kota Ibushi & The Young Bucks at All In. 
  • By the end of the day on Thursday, Glenn Jacobs, best known to WWE fans as Kane, may officially be elected the next mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. After a close victory in the GOP primary election in May, Jacobs is up against democratic rival Linda Haney, who he is expected to defeat handily. "Mayor Kane" soon won't be just a joke any longer. 
  • Jazzy Gabert was, without question, one of the more popular competitors during the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament last year. Because of that, fans had been hoping the dominant German would return to compete in the second edition of the tournament this year. Sadly, though, Gabert revealed on her Twitter account that she will not be included in the field this year but she thanked everyone for the support. Due to her popularity last year, WWE was set on signing her to a developmental deal but the offer was rescinded when the medical staff uncovered multiple neck issues.