Four NXT wrestlers compete in dark matches prior to WWE SmackDown

Four NXT wrestlers, including Toni Storm and Odyssey Jones, worked dark matches prior to tonight’s SmackDown.

Dave Meltzer has confirmed that Toni Storm, Karrion Kross, and Shotzi Blackheart worked dark matches tonight. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful was the first to report that Storm worked a dark match. PWInsider additionally reported that Storm faced Shotzi Blackheart. Odyssey Jones, real name Omari Palmer, faced Robert Roode in a singles match. He is a former football player for Syracuse University who has been signed with WWE since 2019.

Karrion Kross, who has worked dark matches for WWE officials for the last few weeks, faced Cesaro tonight in a singles match. Kross and Blackheart have previously competed in dark matches. Kross appeared on Main Event two weeks ago, defeating Shelton Benjamin. Blackheart competed in a dark match prior to last week’s SmackDown, facing Scarlett.

Bronson Reed is another name that has appeared in recent dark matches. He also competed on Main Event two weeks ago, defeating Drew Gulak.