5 dream debut opponents for Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle appeared for the first time at an NXT event when he appeared NXT Takeover Brooklyn but is yet to make his NXT debut. In coming to the NXT, Riddle now has the potential for several dream matches that could occur both at NXT and in the main roster. However, as Riddle has yet to make even his televised debut for NXT since signing, we take a look at the five people Riddle could ideally line up as his first target.

Whether it be wrestlers he faced on the indy scene, a clash of styles or big-name against big-name bouts, this list is the top 5 dream debut opponents for the "King of Bro's" Matt Riddle.

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# 5 Velveteen Dream

The Velveteen Dream should be on every new signee's list of dream opponents. The charismatic enigma seems to established himself as something of a welcome mat for the high profile indie signings that are brought in to NXT as of late. The Dream has shown he has what it takes to match it with a variety of styles, given his fantastic matches against the smaller Leo Rush, and Ricochet to his battles against the likes of Aleister Black and Kassius Ohno.

While Dream is currently set to face Johnny Gargano on next week's episode of NXT, a program with Matt Riddle to start him off could be amazing. Just think of what Dream could make of the former UFC stars penchant for weed and chops, and just what that may lead to. From Riddle's end, the Velveteen Dream is one of the few on this list that he wouldn't have been able to face on the independent scene.

# 4 Ricochet

Given the fact that Matt Riddle's most famous rivalries have been with the "Aerial Assassin" Will Osprey, Riddle may be a good match-up for NXT's high flying Aerial freak Ricochet. Riddle and Ricochet have faced off each other only once at Evolve back in 2016.

Given the fact that Ricochet's matches have stolen the show, specifically his last two feuds with Velveteen Dream and Adam Cole. The "One and Only" has been on a hot streak, and entering Riddle directly into a feud with Ricochet will have him competing straight away for a mid-card title.

# 3 Kassius Ohno

Ohno, better known as Chris Hero on the independent scene, has hit a slump in NXT. The former indy darling hasn't had a feud of note on NXT since his match with the Velveteen Dream. The heavy hitter missed out on the card at Takeover: Brooklyn IV with no opponent to face. Ohno is missing a decent storyline going forward and Riddle may be the person to fix his current dilemma.

The two also have history, having faced off against each other in Evolve in three separate singles matches with Ohno currently leading 2-1. Their styles are also compatible with the two men both being known for their striking ability. Perhaps Riddle will be the answer to Kassius Ohno's current NXT slump.

# 2 Keith Lee

Of all the previously Independent Wrestlers now signed to NXT who have a history with Matt Riddle, "Limitless" Keith Lee is one of the best matchups for the King of Bros. Lee and Riddle have faced off against each other countless times across several independent promotions such as Evolve, WWN, Progress, RevPro and more. The two have battled for both the Evolve and the WWN titles in the past and Riddle holds a lead over Lee.

However, Lee has been on somewhat of a tear in NXT. Having not lost a single bout since signing for WWE's developmental territory. Having comfortably dispatched of Marcel Barthel and Luke Menzies on NXT tv tapings, as well as having beaten Kona Reeves, Dominik Dijakovic and Fabian Eichner at live events, among others. Is Riddle the one to put an end to Lee's winning ways? Will the two big men even meet on NXT?

# 1 Aleister Black

A month ago, Black had everything going for him. He was the NXT Champion, had come off strong feuds with Andrade Cien Almas and was set to face Tomasso Ciampa to defend his title and be the main event at Takeover for the first time since signing for the company. Then Black got injured in a live show with Ciampa and required time off for surgery.

Black's injury and subsequent time off seems to have come at an unfortunate time, with him poised to headline Takeover: Brooklyn IV with Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa. However, NXT has run with the injury, placing Black in an angle where he was attacked from behind and there is now an investigation into who could have attacked Black. While Riddle hasn't been implicated in the attack, if he was, it could start a feud between the two and would be a hell of a way for Matt Riddle to make his NXT in-ring debut.

Black and Riddle have met one time in the Independent's scene, with Riddle picking up the win at Evolve 67, with the match being one of Black's last before signing with NXT.