Which WWE Star Does Vince McMahon See As The Next Shawn Michaels?

High praise for this SmackDown wrestler...

Matt Riddle
WWE

Vince McMahon has compared WWE SmackDown newcomer Matt Riddle to Shawn Michaels, according to a new report from WrestlingNews.co's Paul Davis.

Per Davis' WWE source, "Vince likes guys like Shawn who have that rebel mentality and he sees some of Shawn in Matt. Matt can rub some people the wrong way but he’s a good guy and he will do great. I think he’s a future world champion. Vince will try to tweak him but his personality will get him far.”

In addition, Davis writes that any backstage heat on Riddle following his needling comments towards the likes of Goldberg has now subsided, with two sources indicating that 'The Original Bro' is already a well-liked figure in the SmackDown locker-room.

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It is also noted that McMahon absolutely loved last week's SD promo in which Riddle ran down why he wrestles barefoot. Vince heard the story prior to the show and let Matt tell it on air as a result. Now, Riddle is even being granted increased freedom to add his own input to his character and promos.

Riddle is already a potential Intercontinental Title contender, having defeated AJ Styles on his main roster debut.

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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.