WrestleMania Weekend: Can’t-miss matches outside of the WWE

Credit: WWE.com

Matt Riddle vs. Zack Sabre Jr: Evolve 102

Matt Riddle is the man of the weekend. He wrestled for multiple promotions and put forth many impressive performances. His match with Zack Sabre Jr at Evolve 102 was perhaps the best and brought out a huge surprised as Riddle captured the Evolve title; solidifying himself as one of the best wrestlers on the independent scene today.

The big story in this match is that Riddle finally overcame his inability to win the Evolve title. Coming into this fight he was 0-3 when challenging for the title. As always, Sabre used calculated grappling techniques to hamper Riddle; attacking his arms and feet. Riddle countered a lot through power moves, but with his background in mixed martial arts he was able to hang with Sabre in some ways. Both men were very vicious in every offense maneuver put forth. Riddle was landing big move after big move, but it seemed like Sabre had a counter for every one of them at any moment.

The final spots of the match saw them exchanging hold for hold at a pace in which each one looked tight, but they transitioned smoothly to other positions. It was an interesting call to see Riddle get the win with a submission in the end; finishing with his twister called the “Bromission.”

Next: Which SmackDown Live Stars Are Most Likely To Switch Brands?

Riddle was widely considered a budding name to watch on the independent circuit and this weekend continued to build that story. Seeing him take the Evolve title illuminates the idea that more organizations are looking to continue to feature him at the top of the card. It’s even better that Riddle has shied away from the idea of moving to the WWE, because at only 32 years of age he could truly grow into a huge independent star that’s in control of his destiny before making any moves to the WWE in the future.