Top 3 Performers of NXT (December 5, 2018)

#2 Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle continued his run of solid performances on the Black and Yellow brand since jumping across from the independent scene. Riddle is an incredibly unique talent, and NXT is allowing him to be himself in all his bizarre glory. After already taking out a series of jobbers and knocking out Kassius Ohno at Takeover: War Games, Riddle faced off against the debuting Punishment Martinez in a strong striking encounter.

Riddle's in-ring performances seem to be getting better the stiffer his competition becomes, with this match once again raising the bar on what Riddle is able to accomplish. Throughout the match, he delivered a series of chops to Martinez's chest that echoed through the Full Sail arena, and neither wrestler looked like they were pulling their punches. Riddle's excellent submission victory, following his knockout victory against Ohno at Takeover, shows that Riddle is able to beat his opponent in a multitude of ways and also that creative is well and truly behind him in his push.

Another added bonus was when Riddle was ambushed at the top of the stage by Ohno, who appeared at the top of the ramp like something out of WWE's 2K video game series, setting a longer storyline in motion between the two.