Timothy Thatcher vs. Matt Riddle – NXT, May 27
Whether it is characters like Shayna Baszler or bringing up Brock Lesnar’s UFC record, WWE has attempted to give their product a more realistic feel, especially incorporating MMA components. Case in point – the WWE’s debut of the Fight Pit match in May.
Combining elements of the lion’s den and steel cage match, Timothy Thatcher and Matt Riddle squared off, with these combatants being legit tough guys. When the lockdown struck, the short-lived yet beloved comedic team The Broserweights (Riddle and Pete Dunne) were forcibly broken up. Replacing the absent Dunne was Thatcher, who almost immediately turned on Riddle, costing them the tag titles. After Dunne got a surprise win on an episode of NXT, a more decisive match stipulation was added.
With the recently released Kurt Angle as the referee, the MMA-inspired bout added a dose of legitimacy to the feud. In the match, Riddle kayfabe kicked-out some of Tim’s teeth early on, giving us the visual of a bloody-mouthed Thatcher. In a submission-heavy encounter, Riddle eventually hit Thatcher with a knee strike knocking TT off the top onto the floor below, followed by a Floating Bro. As the match closed, the new arrival won as Thatcher forced Matt unconscious with a rear-naked choke. Ending a successful debut concept that will likely become a fixture on the brand in the future.