EVOLVE Champion Matt Riddle spoke with Sports Illustrated after working Sunday’s Beyond Wrestling Americanrana ’18 event and confirmed recent talks with WWE & New Japan Pro Wrestling, but said nothing is official.

“I’ve been in situations like this before,” said Riddle. “There is nothing official. I’ve talked to WWE, I’ve talked to the president of New Japan, and I am confident in where I stand in the world of professional wrestling.”

Riddle, who is set to defend his EVOLVE Title at the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia this coming Saturday, told SI that he still loves the indies but it’s time to move on.

“It’s not that I don’t love the indies, it’s just time to move on,” Riddle explained. “Places like EVOLVE, Beyond, those were the companies that gave me an opportunity, gave me a platform, and gave me the chance to run with the ball and showcase my skills. I got to mix it up with a world array of talent. I need more substance, I need to grow. I’m a shark and I swam in a lot of different ponds, but I’m ready for the ocean. It just depends if I’m going to the Atlantic or the Pacific.”