NXT alumni are faced with an odd situation on the main roster. The fan reaction they get is often not considered when it comes to their odds at succeeding. From Sami Zayn and Neville to Shinsuke Nakamura and Ricochet, none of the male NXT alumni have reached the pinnacle of sports entertainment. Matt Riddle was touted as the one to break this chain, but has WWE booked him well?
Riddle’s main roster run so far
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Contrary to popular belief, Riddle might be the best booked NXT alumni since Kevin Owens. No, he did not beat John Cena in his debut, but Riddle made a big difference to the main roster. Never before has a man of his potential and poise wrestled under Vince McMahon. His popularity and charisma carried him to the main event in an instant.
In his first month on the main roster, Riddle was inserted into a program with AJ Styles. Styles had just won the Intercontinental Championship from Daniel Bryan. The NXT superstar would put on an absolute clinic against Styles, which announced his arrival to the main roster. Riddle then faced him for the IC Title, which he lost, but lost absolutely no momentum.
King Corbin proved to a valuable foil for his main roster exploits. Riddle beat him too at WWE Payback. His main roster stint would take a turn for the better once he was drafted to Raw. A strong showing at Survivor Series was the icing on the cake. Now he’s Raw’s most dependable superstar.
Vince McMahon controversially sent a few wrestlers back to the Performance Center for extra training. Riddle was not one of those names. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Vince might have faith in him as a performer. A reward for Riddle might also be on the horizon.
Why are fans wrong about the booking of Matt Riddle
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Riddle is WWE’s most unorthodox wrestler. Barefoot, carefree, and the smoothest technical wrestler on the roster, Riddle poses a threat to the main event players on Raw. His charisma has kept him relevant, and his in-ring ability has made him immensely popular. His WWE run might even surpass his NXT run.
Feuding with Bobby Lashley and The Hurt Business is nothing but beneficial for Riddle. By fighting to get to the top, WWE is making him prove that he has what it takes to make it to the pinnacle of sports entertainment. By staying on the good side of the company he works for, he will be compensated fairly.