Matt Riddle Won't Be Leaving WWE NXT For "A Very Long Time"

Good news for those who love the Original Bro.

by Andy H Murray
Matt Riddle
WWE.com

Matt Riddle's WWE developmental acclimatisation has gone much the same way as his arrival on the independent scene back in 2015, with the 'Original Bro' becoming an NXT standout within weeks of debuting thanks to strong presentation, great matches, and the man's general affability and graft.

The 33-year-old has been such a hit that there was talk of a hot-shotted main roster call-up within months of his debut. Potential bouts with the likes of Brock Lesnar had been speculated and he was heavily linked with a spot in Super ShowDown's 51-man battle royale, but it now looks like Riddle won't be leaving Full Sail University for "a very long time."

These were the words of Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, with wrestling journalism's swole overlord claiming WWE "aren't looking to rush him" into a main roster call-up.

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This is likely why Riddle was pulled from the TakeOver: Toronto (10 August) main event. The former UFC fighter was originally pegged to face NXT Champion Adam Cole that night, but the Undisputed Era man will now complete his trilogy with Johnny Gargano instead.

Good news for those who enjoy Riddle in NXT, then, particularly given the way 2019's main roster call-ups have gone so far.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.