Several NXT stars join Kevin Owens at WWE SmackDown tonight

Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown will be the last before the Royal Rumble tomorrow night and features some stars from NXT backstage at the show.

According to the report from PWINsider, NXT’s Tommaso Ciampa, Io Shirai, Roderick Strong, LA Knight and Dakota Kai were all backstage at tonight’s SmackDown performance in Kansas City, MO.

Also reported to be in the arena is former Universal champion Kevin Owens. The winner was recently linked with tomorrow night’s challenger for the Seth Rollins Global Championship. Owens was also one of the favorites leading up to the Royal Rumble.

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This is not the first time Tommaso Ciampa has appeared on the main roster of WWE

Of all the NXT talents mentioned above, former NXT champion Tommaso Ciampa is the most experienced on the main roster. In February 2019, Ciampa appeared on RAW alongside Johnny Gargano, Aleister Black, and Ricochet. Unfortunately, a neck injury forced him to give up the NXT championship and retire from competition.

The other members of the NXT list referenced – Shirai, Strong, Kai and Knight – are all considered ready to run on RAW or SmackDown. Maybe some of them, if they don’t make it to the match against Rumble tomorrow, could come out tonight.

Since the Royal Rumble is considered one of the “Big Four” WWE events, they could debut on RAW or SmackDown after the premium live event. All that said, it’s clear the company has some plans for these NXT highlights.

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What do you think the company has planned for these NXT stars? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

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A former WWE writer wants Roman Reigns vs. Kurt Angle at WrestleMania. More details right here.