Did Politics Lead To Matt Riddle's Move To WWE SmackDown?
Riddle is expected to debut on SmackDown imminently.
As reported yesterday, Matt Riddle is expected to move from WWE NXT to SmackDown imminently, with this week's cage fight with rival Timothy Thatcher a potential farewell bout for a wrestler earmarked for a switch to one of the promotion's two mainline brands since before WrestleMania 36.
It's thought that 'The Original Bro' could debut on the FOX show as soon as this week. Per Dave Meltzer on the most recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Riddle was active at this week's SD tapings, possibly recording something for the 29 May or 5 June episodes, both of which were recorded.
WOR also brought a discussion on why Riddle is heading to SmackDown and not Raw, considering his friendship with Paul Heyman. It was speculated that this could have been a political decision, given the reported heat between Riddle and Brock Lesnar, with 'The Beast Incarnate' seemingly telling his fellow former UFC fighter that he would never work with him while backstage at Royal Rumble 2020.
Who will Riddle's first "main roster" feud be? Today's Cageside Seats Rumor Roundup column thinks Baron Corbin.
This week's NXT should provide a clearer indication of Riddle's immediate future, with the Thatcher bout taking top billing.