Now that crowds are back, WWE can’t keep things like dark matches a proper secret. When they have someone from NXT or even outside of WWE like Davey Boy Smith Jr. wrestle matches before Smackdown Live, people are going to find out. This was the first indication of Karrion Kross moving up, as well as others like Aliyah & Shotzi Blackheart. The latest in this bunch is Dakota Kai, who faced Aliyah tonight before Smackdown went on the air.
Dakota Kai Winning The NXT Women’s Championship No Longer Seems Like A Sure Thing
Dakota Kai is a shock to show up in a dark match, given her status as the favorite going into the NXT Women’s Championship match for NXT Takeover 36. There, she will be facing off with ally turned rival Raquel Gonzalez, and get a long awaited shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Fans have wanted to see Kai hold the belt for years now, and she’s never been in a better position.
This title change no longer feels like a done deal, but it’s important to remember that a dark match won’t always mean a call up. Bronson Reed had dark matches when he was NXT North American Champion, even showing up on Main Event, but has had no indications of leaving NXT since. At the very least, Kai facing Aliyah before Smackdown has casted some extra doubt on the result of the match at Takeover.
Another Dark Match For Austin Theory As Well
There was a second dark match tonight, with another name from NXT showing up once again. Austin Theory has been a frequent flier with dark matches lately, and his split from The Way indicates that his second stint in NXt might already be at it’s end. He faced Keith Lee, who is a RAW Superstar, but could be considered for a move to Smackdown Live in the coming draft.
Theory no doubt already has the skill to perform on the level needed for RAW & Smackdown, having widely been viewed as a prodigy all the way back in Evolve. However, he’s been making great strides with his character work in NXT, and pulling him away so soon could hamper his career. Either way, Theory is only 25, and even a premature call up wouldn’t stop his potential.
Do you want to see Austin Theory & Dakota Kai get called up to Smackdown Live? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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