WWE Elite #78 Matt Riddle figure review

Matt Riddle was one of the more exciting new additions to the NXT roster in years. He immediately established himself as a player battling The Undisputed Era, Kassius Ohno, Johnny Gargano and Finn Balor. And his stoner persona fit as the modern day RVD. I rarely follow my NXT favorites when they get called to the “main roster,” but with Pete Dunne, this Riddle figure was a must to have another team in the March Bashness tournament. Time to bro out with this review.

Packaging:  I’m still digging the updated red and white packaging with the action and portrait photos on the side. He’s got another bio that is brief, but perfectly sums up The Original Bro’s tenure in NXT so far.

Likeness: I don’t think photos really do this head sculpt justice. It’s one that’s easier to appreciate in person to see that half baked expression with the hazy eyes and crooked smile.

The hair also flows nicely. I’m not so sure about the torso, which seems just a bit too bulky and thick for Riddle. It’s the best option with Mattel’s available parts, but definitely a case for a slimmer muscular mold larger than the Finn Balor torso.

His arms are also both too short and too small. As Riddle has a pretty decent array of submission holds in his repertoire, this becomes a bit frustrating with posing.

I love the right on hands Mattel used. It’s funny how in so many ways this Riddle figure would make for an ideal base body for a Jimmy Superfly Snuka figure.

Scale: Riddle is taller than the average NXT superstar at 6’2″ so he should be looking down at the 5’11” Bobby Fish, 6’ Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly. His scale seems just about right, which is always nice.

Paint: Mattel went with Riddle’s white attire, which was smart as it helps him stand out from other figures that tend to get featured in black especially the NXT figures.

I wish Mattel could have used a short tight mold for Riddle’s trunks, but the linework is solid beyond the gold trim on the top of his tights.

I can definitely see some issues if Riddle’s face printing isn’t lined up properly as it could screw up the whole look of the figure.

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Articulation: Riddle is a striker well versed in submissions who’s also not afraid to take to the air as well.

Getting Riddle’s submission moves executed properly is a challenge thanks to the single jointed elbows — this is an area Mattel might need to address beyond the Ultimate Edition figures soon.

For the rest of his repertoire you shouldn’t have an issue pulling off his moves thanks to the otherwise solid Elite articulation scheme. Especially if you give him an arm upgrade.

Matt Riddle has:

• neck
• bicep
• ball-jointed shoulders
• elbows
• wrists
• wrist hinge
• waist
• hips
• thighs
• knees (double-jointed)
• ankles

Accessories:  Mattel really went all in with this figure so getting future figures will just depend on the color scheme. He’s got two sets of additional hands — one with outstretched fingers and a set of gripping hands.

Fists would have been nice, but with the interchangeable nature of the hands it’s hardly a big deal anymore.

He also has his headband, which actually has a great paintjob. The highlight is his cloth jacket. It’s tailored properly and is a good fit with clean applications of the logos.

Finally, he’s got his flip flops — fling off action feature not included.

Worth it?  I pounced on a Walmart.com sale to get Riddle for $16. I wouldn’t have regretted paying the standard $20, but this makes a good deal for a figure even better.

Rating: 8 out of 10

This really feels like a comprehensive Matt Riddle figure though the combination of the thick torso and stubby arms holds him back from being the definitive version.

Where to get it?  Elite 78 has shown up in stores. I’ve found the remnants at Target, but apparently some Walmarts have gotten it as well. Riddle seems like the most in demand figure from this wave so if you see him grab him. Otherwise you can get him from Amazon.