Two NXT Dark Matches Take Place Before WWE SmackDown

PWInsider is reporting that WWE ran the rule over three NXT talents before shooting Friday's episode of SmackDown.

Firstly, current NXT World Champion Karrion Kross wrestled ex-Retribution member Slapjack. Then, Kross' valet Scarlett worked with Shotzi Blackheart in another dark bout designed to act as soft tryouts for the trio.

This follows on from NXT's Karrion and Bronson Reed working shots for 'C' show Main Event through the week. It's unclear exactly what WWE's plans are at this time though - maybe they plan to split Kross and Scarlett up, or perhaps they're just experimenting whilst they have the chance before live crowds return.

It's a situation to keep your eye on.

Company officials were certainly there to keep an eye on both matches. WWE may want a fresh injection of talent on Raw and SmackDown over the summer (the Draft is coming up in a few months too), so this approach would make sense.

That won't stop NXT mega-fans from panicking about what the future could hold for some of their favourite black and gold brand stars. WWE's success rate with NXT call-ups isn't exactly sparkling. Could the likes of Kross, Scarlett and Blackheart change that?

Only time will tell.