Tonight's episode of Smackdown was the last WWE show before tomorrow's premium live event, Clash at the Castle. It featured a "Viking Rules Match" between the Viking Raiders and the New Day and a celebration for Roman Reigns as he hit the two-year mark in his time as Universal Champion.
Tonight's episode of Smackdown also featured the in-ring debut of former NXT Champion Karrion Kross. It went much better for Kross than his Raw debut last year.
A Tale Of Two Debuts
Karrion Kross made his main roster debut on Raw on July 19, 2021, during his reign as NXT Champion. He infamously lost in just three minutes to Jeff Hardy. This not only killed any chance of momentum he could have on the main roster but also served as a significant detriment to Kross' NXT title reign. Fans openly mocked Kross at NXT tapings by chanting "Hardy" at him, helping to squash any lingering credibility he had as champion.
Tonight, Kross got a chance to reintroduce himself to the WWE universe. He had his wife and manager Scarlett by his side this time around and a much stronger presentation; instead of the corny leather gear and Roman-style helmet, he simply came to the ring in his gear. He quickly defeated his opponent, Drew Gulak, by submission with a rear-naked choke.
WWE has hinted at a feud between Karrion Kross and Drew McIntyre which will presumably start after Clash at the Castle is over. Depending on whether McIntyre wins tomorrow, Kross may soon be in a world title feud this time next week. Things are definitely looking up for Kross this time around.
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