Report: Matt Riddle’s SmackDown Call Up Caused Many Changes Backstage


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WWE recently announced Matt Riddle will be joining SmackDown in the near future.

The move reportedly sent shock waves through multiple brands according to a report from Fightful Select (subscription required).

Riddle’s move to the main roster was decided after a meeting with Vince McMahon, but due to issues surrounding the current health crisis, there was challenges the company faced in proceeding with that plan.

With Pete Dunne being stuck in the United Kingdom due to the travel ban, WWE had to make a decision what to do with the NXT Tag Team Championship. According to the report, the company was fine with waiting things out to see how what would happen until he was able to return to the United States.

WWE then decided to debut Indus Sher on television, managed by Malcolm Bivens. Apparently there was not enough confidence in the team, so they were removed off television temporarily, despite Matt Bloom thinking the team has some value.

The company eventually made the decision to give Imperium the tag-team titles, with officials feeling they were better prepared to hold them.

Timothy Thatcher being brought in as Riddle’s partner was temporary, with the two eventually becoming rivals.

Riddle had his final NXT match against Thatcher recently in a cage fight with Kurt Angle serving as the special guest referee.

The company does not have any firm plans for Pete Dunne at the moment, or any other WWE stars stuck overseas. It is possible if WWE is allowed to proceed with NXT UK tapings, he will be make appearances for that branch of the division.

It’s unknown when Matt Riddle will have his first match on the blue brand, Kurt Angle recently revealed he was asked to manage him, but turned that offer down.

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