05 January 2024 , 23:19
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Luke Littler has received congratulations from WWE for reaching the PDC World Darts Championship final and an invitation to WWE Live at The O2 Arena later this year.
Littler, 16, lost to Luke Humphries in Wednesday's classic final but continues to receive plaudits from all corners after a remarkable run through the competition. The 2023 World Youth champion qualified for the first time through the PDC Development Tour and had a debut for the ages.
He beat former champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross to reach the final, and went ahead at a time in the final. But this year's championship game captured the attention unlike ever before, with Sky Sports declaring it the most-watched non- football event in their history.
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Interest even spread Stateside, and WWE has now acknowledged the feat. "Unbelievable run, Luke Littler," their official UK feed on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted on Friday night.
They then referenced a media appearance the teenager made earlier in the day. Appearing on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show with Dean McCullough, he explained the reasoning behind his walkout music.
Littler walked out at Alexandra Palace to the 2016 track 'Greenlight' by Pitbull, featuring fellow American rappers Flo Rida and LunchMoney Lewis. Asked about the choice, Littler recalled: "It was from WWE WrestleMania 33, back in 2017. I went over (to Orlando, Florida) with my Dad (Anthony Buckley); it was unbelievable."
Luke Littler was a wrestling fan when he was younger (Getty Images)After hearing Littler on the show, WWE referenced his childhood interest in wrestling. "We heard WrestleMania 33 inspired your entrance music on BBC Radio 1, so you’re officially invited to The O2 on April 19 when WWE rolls through London. We might even hit Pitbull’s “Greenlight” for you!"
They will hope to turn Littler back into a fan of the sport, as he also acknowledged on the radio: "It's fair to say I don't like the wrestling anymore, I think I've grown out of it, but that's just an experience to be at WrestleMania, and I just took the song off him (Pitbull)."
Asked whether Pitbull knows who he is, Littler remarked: "I don't think he does (but) I hope he does."
But several celebrities have been in touch over recent days. Asked about who has been sending well-wishes on social media, Littler listed: " Luke Shaw, the Manchester United player, Rio Ferdinand, he wants me on his podcast, ( YouTuber ) JaackMaate, (streamer) AngryGinge. It's just been crazy, even Jesse Lingard, ( Everton player) Dwight McNeil."
In a separate sit-down with BBC Sport, he added David Beckham had messaged him saying, "Well done. Once a red, always a red," referring to Littler being a Man United fan.
Beckham's son, Romeo, was at Ally Pally watching the teenager in action. Littler also spoke about how he would spend his £200,000 prize money, suggesting that the first thought in his mind right now is buying FC Points for the video game EA Sports FC 24.