5 Ideal opponents for Austin Theory in NXT

#2 Pete Dunne

At 25, Pete Dunne's era of dominance was nothing short of marvelous

The Bruiserweight. The longest reigning modern-day champion in the WWE. Pete Dunne is pound for pound, the toughest competitor in the company. Though he finally lost his UK Championship to Walter at NXT TakeOver: New York, Dunne's resume speaks for himself.

Velveteen Dream, Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Tyler Bate, Roderick Strong, Joe Coffey, Zach Gibson, the list goes on. Pete Dunne is a no-nonsense smash-mouth kind of guy that usually does all of his talking in the ring.

Theory is at his best when he's on the mic trying to bring his opponents down, but that's not something that can work against Dunne.

No, when the time comes, Theory will have to put down the mic and show just what he can do inside the squared circle.

And just like Velveteen Dream and the Evolve Champion, Dunne is still quite young, looking to make his own mark on the industry. And he's expected to rise to the top when he eventually finds himself on the main roster.

A fight with Matt Riddle pits you against the best striker on the roster. Kushida, the best technician. Dream gives you an opportunity to showboat and prove what you can do as an entertainer.

But there's nothing fancy with Dunne. There's no special trick to getting past him, it doesn't come down to outmaneuvering or out-wrestling him. No, every fight with Pete Dunne is a brawl. A war. And if these two ever come face to face, Theory will have to come emerge from the dust with his arm raised.