NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 — Did Matt Riddle show up?

Matt Riddle was on hand for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 but not involved in the manner in which many fans would probably prefer.

The King of Bros might be getting his shot at the NXT spotlight soon, but it didn’t exactly come on Saturday night at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 as many were hoping.

WWE has made a habit of using its big NXT PPVs as a launchpad for new signings, either having them get involved in a match or post-match situation or officially introducing them in some way. Alas, Riddle, arguably the hottest free agent in all of pro wrestling before his reported signing with WWE, didn’t get that kind of roll-out.

It’ll undoubtedly be coming soon. Riddle was, however, on hand at Barclays Center, and was shown in the crowd.

Riddle is a former UFC fighter who appeared to have a promising future with the company before he tested positive for marijuana, changing several of his wins to no contests. He subsequently changed his focus to pro wrestling, becoming an indie sensation, particularly with Evolve. As with anyone these days who starts attracting a lot of attention in smaller promotions, it wasn’t long before the rumor mill started churning in regards to the possibility that Riddle would sign with WWE (or New Japan Pro Wrestling).

While WWE hasn’t made Riddle’s signing official, his on-camera appearance at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4, however brief, means there is a strong likelihood that the company will announce something to that effect soon. It will be interesting to see if his King of Bros gimmick, which has been extremely over with indie crowds, will be the one that WWE rolls with for him to use in NXT.