WWE: Three names that should answer Kushida’s open challenge

Wrestling fans have wanted to see Kushida with gold around his waist in WWE since the day he stepped into NXT. That finally occurred at the cost to Santos Escobar when the former issued an open challenge for the NXT Cruiserweight title. Now, that belt is around Kushida’s waist and he is hinted at continuing to have open challenges. If that is the case and those segments continue, here are some names that should step through the curtain to face one of the best wrestlers in the world.

Tyler Rust

Kushida and Tyler Rust have some history together in NXT. After Kushida was unable to obtain the NXT North American title from Johnny Gargano at NXT Vengeance Day in February, it would be Rust who tried to take advantage of that moment the next time out on NXT. That did not work out in Rust’s favor, as he was defeated after a very well-received back-and-forth match.

Rust has not been seen on television since the Gauntlet Eliminator Qualifying Battle Royal. He and Malcolm Bivens have not been on television, but their characters were appreciated as fans were interested in where they would go next. Having Rust answer the call, setting up a prolonged feud between the two would be a step in the right direction for everyone involved.

Mustafa Ali

Mustafa Ali is the man that WWE fans want to see pushed and utilized, but WWE leadership continues to push back against the even notion. Now that the failed experiment with RETRIBUTION is over, Ali is right back on WWE Main Event. WWE needs to do something with Ali before becomes another name that is added to the list of talents the promotion has “missed” on.

Ali should get an extended run back in NXT. He is shown that he can get over on the main roster, but that has not helped in the case to do more with him on either SmackDown or Monday Night Raw. Moving him back to NXT and presenting him as the frustrated heel would be the perfect change of pace and set up a lot of excitement about what would be next for him during that change. The way to get there is to have him answer Kushida’s open challenge.

Ricochet

Ricochet versus Kushida would have the makings to be one of the best matches that WWE could put on with its current roster. Ricochet and Kushida have a wealth of experience against one another, dating all the way back to 2009. Their battles also include a match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title in 2015. Whether it is in singles or tag matches, Kushida and Ricochet are very familiar with each other and that has all the potential to make this an excellent match.

Just like Mustafa Ali, Ricochet is barely being used on the main roster. He is used sparingly, even though he has everything that would make him an excellent babyface character that could become this generation’s Rey Mysterio. Still, just like many other examples on the roster, WWE has gone away from Ricochet for the likes of less talented performers. Getting Ricochet into NXT to challenge Kushida for the Cruiserweight title would make everyone intrigued in him once again.

The open challenge is a great format to give wrestling fans a moment of excitement with random and surprise matchups. Kushida broke through to win his first title under the WWE banner via the open challenge and these examples of future opponents would be the perfect next step.