I could see Riley's push being similar to John Morrison's. They both started off their singles careers (Morrison as Morrison and not Nitro, where he was IC champ whilst being a member of MNM) with big victories, Morrison beat CM Punk for the ECW title, when it still had a bit of prestige. And then we have Riley beating Miz (a former World champion) in straight matches
Riley is definietly not over enough to carry a brand as World champion, but he's getting there and within a year or two, after he's been working at the upper mid card and held one of the secondary titles, then perhaps.
Some people question why Sheamus was pushed to the top almost immediately, asides from his political connections and look. It was because he had what it took to get over, he's a pretty decent wrestler and can talk (although thats untested as a face). Making him WWE champion got him over further, because no one expected it and he was a credible heel champion. His second reign in summer 2010 further cements the evidence that he was over from the beginning of his career.