10 WWE Wrestlers Poised To Break Out In 2019

2. Matt Riddle

Lars Sullivan Drew McIntyre
WWE.com

Former UFC fighter Matt Riddle has started NXT life in the perfect way - by feuding with Kassius Ohno, who is one of the most effective veteran gatekeeper characters in the entire game, and, of course, an outstanding professional wrestler himself.

That TakeOver: War Games squash was an exciting moment that nobody saw coming. The follow-up will be even better.

Riddle is already on the map. He was a major standout on the independent scene prior to getting signed, having adapted from MMA to professional wrestling in remarkably quick fashion, and adding much-needed depth and nuance to his game in 2018. Now, he stands on the precipice of megastardom. If the Bro character clicks - and it will - there’ll be nothing stopping Riddle from being Triple H’s next big developmental wunderkind, and it won’t be long before he’s headlining TakeOvers is monstrous title matches.

On top of this, working at the Performance Center will help add new wrinkles to his long-established character, much in the same way it has for the likes of Tommaso Ciampa, Aleister Black, and countless others. Already one of the best in the world, expect Riddle to shoot even further up the rankings as 2019 progresses.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.