NXT Stars Work SmackDown Dark Matches, In Line For Possible Callups

You have to start somewhere. NXT is a rather unique kind of promotion, as it serves as both the official developmental territory for WWE but it is also the third brand. That means stars coming up from NXT to the main roster are probably going to have been seen more than a few times. Now we might know who the next big name coming up from NXT might be.

According to PWInsider.com, both Karrion Kross and Bronson Reed worked dark matches before this week’s SmackDown, with Kross facing Dolph Ziggler and Reed facing Robert Roode. This is being done before the next WWE Draft in September, when more talents could be called up. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Kross is expected to be moved up to the main roster, which was expected from the day that he was signed to WWE. It is not clear if WWE is expected to call Reed up as well.

Kross was signed to WWE in 2020 and became the NXT Champion by defeating Keith Lee at Takeover: XXX in August. He was forced to vacate the title the following day due to a shoulder injury suffered in the match. Kross would go on to regain the title at Takeover: Stand & Deliver in April 2021, starting his second reign as champion, tying him for the most reigns in history. Kross has also wrestled for Global Force Wrestling, Lucha Underground, AAA and Impact Wrestling.

You might need to get to know him. Check out what might be coming to the main roster:

Karrion Kross and Scarlett make their debut: WWE NXT, May 6, 2020

Adam Cole goes face to face with Karrion Kross: WWE NXT, June 1, 2021

Opinion: Reed is a bit of a surprise but Kross moving up to the main roster has seemed like little more than a matter of time. There was no reason to believe that he would not be coming up almost as soon as he was signed as he was ready for that spot the day he signed. It makes sense to have him on Monday Night Raw or SmackDown, and it seems that he is heading in one of those ways.

Where do you expect Kross to go? Who do you think will take the NXT Title from him? Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen over 50,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his- Amazon author page with 30 wrestling books.

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