5 Theories why Matt Riddle wasn't on SmackDown in person this week

Kurt Angle appeared on Friday Night SmackDown last week to reveal that Matt Riddle would be heading to the blue brand imminently. Many observers believe that Riddle has a bright future on SmackDown, but it was curious that the company did not do much this week to follow up on Angle's announcement. In fact, Riddle was barely featured at all on the broadcast - aside from a short video package.

To not have seen Angle's announcement followed up on straight away might have concerned some Matt Riddle fans. This is largely because of what has happened to some NXT Superstars in the past, who have been heavily teased after being called up, but then rarely featured on WWE's major stages.

"The Original Bro" was noticeably missing on Friday night and here are five possible reasons for his absence. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below and tell us why you think Riddle wasn't seen live on this week's edition of SmackDown.

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#5 Limited time available to do Riddle's debut justice

Maybe Friday Night SmackDown just didn't have time for the debut of Matt Riddle.

While Monday Night Raw is a three-hour show, Friday Night SmackDown isn't as lucky and only has two hours to work with. Unfortunately for Superstars on the brand, that means television time can get a little scarce and some talents just don't get a chance to make an impact every week.

WWE had much they wanted to squeeze on this week's edition of SmackDown. In fact, between The Women's Tag Team titles being on the line, Sheamus' opening segment with Jeff Hardy and Drew Gulak versus AJ Styles, there was very little time for Riddle to do anything of note.

Fans are hopeful that the WWE has big plans for Matt Riddle. Although not having him appear in person on Friday might have hurt a little bit of his momentum, Matt Riddle would be best served by having his debut be a major talking point coming out of the show he first appears on. With such a busy show this week, Riddle may have struggled to make a memorable first impression.

#4. Saving him for the Intercontinental title picture

What if WWE is saving Matt Riddle for The Intercontinental Title picture?

Is WWE saving Matt Riddle to put him instantly into contention for a title?

One would think that the company could have accomplished this by just putting him in the ongoing Intercontinental Title tournament, but what fun would that be? Instead, by waiting until after the finals play out, WWE can have the new champion talk about having conquered everyone they have faced - before then introducing Riddle into the picture.

Not only would this be a great way to continue to elevate the Intercontinental Championship, it would let fans who are unfamiliar with Riddle know that he is a threat to be taken seriously. A shock appearance could lead Riddle to a surprise title victory over AJ Styles or Daniel Bryan, which would make for a great debut for Riddle.

In all honesty, things take time to develop and the company might be saving Riddle for this sort of opportunity. At least that way, Matt Riddle can have what would no doubt be an excellent match with either Styles or Bryan, allowing the former NXT Tag Team Champion a chance to prove what he is made of.

#3. No immediate plans for Matt Riddle?

What if WWE just doesn't know what to do with Matt Riddle right now?

As shocking as this might sound, Matt Riddle might just be a victim of the creative team not knowing what to do with him yet. It would not be the first time that WWE has called up an NXT Superstar without storyline plans in place. A perfect example of this was EC3, who was very popular in NXT, but quickly lost much of his relevance once the company decided to put him on Monday Night RAW.

Fans will not want Riddle to meet a similar fate. There is a possibility that the company just hasn't decided how to best use Matt Riddle at this at this point in time. The former UFC fighter is a unique talent - and WWE shouldn't waste the opportunity they have with Riddle.

With this in mind, maybe keeping him off of television for now is the best thing for Matt Riddle. At least that way, the company can take time to come with something solid for him moving forward. After all, you only get one chance to create a proper first impression!

#2. To build up anticipation

What if WWE is trying to build suspense for Matt Riddle's debut?

When they do it correctly, WWE has been great at building anticipation for the debut of certain Superstars - and that could be exactly what they are trying to do with Matt Riddle. In fact, it's probably pretty safe to say that The WWE Universe is dying to see the former NXT Superstar in action on SmackDown, which is why the company is holding off on it for now.

Not only will doing so create the kind of suspense that will have fans glued to their television screens to see when he finally debuts, but it will make his eventual appearance all the more satisfying. The longer WWE hypes Riddle as being a major player, the easier it will be to get fans to accept him as one.

In the end, suspense is a very powerful thing and it could very well help Matt Riddle as he starts his career on SmackDown. Maybe the company is even saving him as a special attraction of sorts, which again would help his brand as a Superstar and give SmackDown a big segment to build towards when Riddle does eventually debut.

When WWE gives a Superstar a big build-up, it is important that the individual can live up to the hype. Given how well received he has been so far in his wrestling career, Matt Riddle is certainly up to the job.

#1. No suitable opponents

Does WWE just not have a suitable opponent for Matt Riddle yet?

WWE's Backlash pay per view is only about a week away and while it is a very exciting time for the company, it is also a very busy one. Furthermore, between AJ Styles versus Daniel Bryan and John Morrison and The Miz versus Braun Strowman, there are very few options in the way of big-name opponents available for Matt Riddle to face right now.

Of course, WWE could always opt to pair him with talent lower down the card. Riddle could have great matches with the likes of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura - but putting Riddle in this spot almost immediately pegs him as a midcard talent on SmackDown, especially if he enters into a long-term feud at that level.

At this time, rushing Riddle's debut is unnecessary and WWE would be much better off waiting until after the Backlash pay-per-view to present him properly. In all honesty, that will give him the chance to make a proper impact on the blue brand, with a number of top opponents to work with. Nobody wants to see Matt Riddle get lost in the shuffle.