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WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle made the announcement of the newest addition to SmackDown this week. After falling to Timothy Thatcher in a Cage Fight on the most recent edition of NXT, it was revealed that The Original Bro, Matt Riddle, would be joining Friday Night SmackDown.
Riddle had recently been amidst a run as NXT Tag Team Champion alongside Pete Dunne and later Thatcher. Due to travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dunne was able to compete. Thatcher filled in briefly but things quickly turned sour after Riddle's laid-back demeanor didn't sit well with the no-nonsense grappler.
Thatcher essentially sent Riddle to SmackDown after their hotly-contested fight from NXT. Riddle has had many great matches as a member of the Black and Gold brand. He's battled the likes of the Velveteen Dream, Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Killian Dain, Bobby Fish, Roderick Strong, and many others. He even discussed his run in NXT while also addressing some other topics during a recent interview with Sportskeeda's own Gary Cassidy.
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Now that he'll be plying his unique craft on Friday nights, he'll have no shortage of enticing opponents. From the likes of former WWE Champions to mid-card staples, the possibilities are endless for The Original Bro. Here are five potential opponents for Riddle now that he's officially heading to SmackDown.
I would have included the New Day specifically for the backstage interactions that they could have. The comedy would be magical with Riddle and Big E, but since that wouldn't be for a match, they are not included here.
#5 Shinsuke Nakamura
Despite falling down the pecking order since losing the Intercontinental Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura remains one of the best performers in WWE. His striking is also among the best in WWE and he has the credentials of competing in MMA at one point in his life adding to his legitimacy.
For the mere striking alone, Riddle and Nakamura have to cross paths. They both possess devastating knee strikes and are unique in the presentation of their offense. The Original Bro will likely start out against someone like Nakamura before he moves up the card or into a feud for a title.
At the moment, the King of Strong Style isn't immersed in a feud. He is on the side of what might be a budding clash between Shorty G and Cesaro but could oppose Riddle if Shorty G needs a partner.
#4 King Corbin
Just like Nakamura and the next man on this slideshow, King Corbin is one of the main heels in the mid-card. He's like a gatekeeper for most of the year until a face Champion needs a good heel challenger.
Corey Graves often mentions during commentary that Corbin is a former Golden Gloves Champion from Missouri. The striking isn't the main weapon in Corbin's move set but he does have a noted background in boxing. Riddle is a legit former MMA fighter who has greatly used his striking ability during his tenure in NXT.
Another reason why Riddle and The King may cross paths is because of the 2020 Royal Rumble. The Original Bro entered this year's match at #23 and was eliminated by Corbin shorty thereafter. It wouldn't be a hard story to write if Riddle goes after Corbin for that moment. Riddle isn't a petty star, however, so he may not go that route.
It would stand to reason that one of the first obstacles that could be in the former NXT Tag Team Champion's path could be King Corbin. With the Intercontinental Championship tournament resetting the mid-card, it would be a good first feud for Riddle on SmackDown.
#3 Cesaro
When hardcore wrestling fans think of both the best in-ring performers and underrated stars in WWE, Cesaro always shows up on the list. The Swiss Cyborg is one of the most talented professional wrestlers in the world. He can lead any opponent to a great performance regardless of their level of ability. But if that opponent's ability is on par with his own, look out.
Cesaro has had great performances with just about everyone but has so even more recently with Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak. Matt Riddle's matches with Thatcher were just as impressive in terms of technical prowess. For that reason alone, it would be a treat to see Cesaro trade moves with The Original Bro.
As mentioned earlier, it wouldn't likely be a one-on-one angle. Nakamura and Cesaro are still allies as evidenced by the battle royal and ensuing match between Gable and the Swiss Cyborg later in the night.
However it happens, Cesaro needs to meet The Original Bro in the ring. The strikes alone would be worth the price of admission. Riddle is also extremely creative in the ring as is Cesaro. It just seems too easy to pair these two together for one of Riddle's first main-roster programs.
#2 AJ Styles
A lot of high-profile wrestlers today – as well as ones that are up-and-coming – always list AJ Styles as a dream opponent. Seth Rollins mentioned as such during his appearance on WWE Backstage last year. It's no surprise why so many do, The Phenomenal One is among the best performers of this or any generation.
Things have lined up for a potential showdown on Friday nights. Matt Riddle will continue to be a laid-back face while Styles is maintaining a smarmy heel persona. He accepted a bye to the finals of the Intercontinental Championship tournament after Elias and Jeff Hardy were both removed from the bracket due to a pre-SmackDown accident.
Styles has honed his skills all over the globe and his time learning the Strong Style in Japan only upped his game. Riddle already had the striking aspect of his game down being a former MMA fighter. He's also used several submissions in NXT so both men are extremely well-rounded.
Although Styles has been in WWE since 2016, he has feuded with a good deal of the bigger names on SmackDown. He's tangled with The Miz, Daniel Bryan, and Nakamura before while also crossing paths with Roman Reigns, Dolph Ziggler, and Kofi Kingston at various points. Riddle would be a fresh match up for Styles and The Phenomenal One would be a great test of The Original Bro's potential on the main roster.
#1 Daniel Bryan
I've gone on record several times before to say that Daniel Bryan is both a fantastic in-ring worker and storyteller. He makes everything he's involved in work irrespective of whether he's a face or a heel. For proof of his impressive adaptability, just see his heel run as the Planet's Champion. Conversely, his rise during the "Yes!" Movement is also one of the best storylines of all time.
In terms of heel/face dynamics, there wouldn't really be need of any if Riddle squares off with Bryan in the near future. Bryan is in the running to become the next IC Champion so a potential program would likely have to wait. But any way we slice it, a match between Riddle and Bryan would be a great showcase of submission-based moves and technical grappling.
Both men are adept in each of those aspects while also nailing the in-ring storytelling of matches. Riddle has faced Gulak in sporting contests where they shook hands at the end of the match. I could see a similar situation unfold if the former WWE Champion faced off with the former UFC Fighter.
