Continuing a recent trend ahead of SmackDown Live episodes, there was some talent from the WWE Performance Center and NXT getting a chance to shine. In recent weeks, we’ve heard of matches where Karrion Kross took on Dolph Ziggler, Shotzi Blackheart faced Scarlett, and Bronson Reed took on Bobby Roode. With the WWE draft for 2021 getting ever closer, two new names were showcased in dark matches this week ahead of SmackDown Live.
Karrion Kross Featured Once Again In Potential Major Future Feud
First up, Karrion Kross was back in the mix this week. He’s on the fast track to the WWE main roster at this point, with the only question being is his wife Scarlett going to join him or not. On NXT, Kross is now in a feud with Johnny Gargano, who is tapping back into his babyface ways, and could provide a major test for Kross and perhaps take the NXT Championship off him.
Kross has been busy between NXT and matches on Main Event or before Smackdown. He’s been pretty much in one or the other for the past three weeks, having previously defeated Shelton Benjamin & Dolph Ziggler. This week he met Cesaro one on one. Cesaro is currently pretty high up on the Smackdown roster, having been in feuds with Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins. If WWE is looking to establish Kross on Smackdown in a hurry, having him get ready for a feud with Cesaro is a fine way to do so.
Toni Storm & Odyssey Jones Featured In Dark Matches
Bronson Reed was not seen this week, after losing the NXT North American Championship. He’s likely already a lock for a call up, and Shotzi Blackheart could be joining him. After a recent dark match against Scarlett, she’s back again, this time facing off with Toni Storm. This is the first look at Storm for the main roster agents since Survivor Series 2019, and she’s improved immensely since then. Blackheart & Storm still have plenty to do in NXT, but Smackdown is lacking in their women’s division lately.
Finally is a relatively unknown name with Odyssey Jones. Jones is what WWE is looking for right now after recent reports of wanting larger talent. At 6’3, 305lbs and only 27 years old, he’s drawn comparisons to Big E or AEW’s Will Hobbs. Jones never made it to NXT TV, but has worked house shows. He faced Bobby Roode, and will likely be seeing more dark match action in the coming weeks.
Who do you hope to see join the WWE main roster in the coming months? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!