Former NXT Champion Karrion Kross has taken an interesting new look with him to Monday Night Raw as he looks set to become a full-time member of the red brand’s roster.
Kross made his Raw debut on the 19th of July, losing in shocking fashion to Jeff Hardy in one minute and forty seconds while still the reigning NXT Champion. Since then Kross has traded wins with Keith Lee on Raw before avenging his defeat to Hardy by putting him to the sword twice in one-on-one action.
At NXT TakeOver: 36 Karrion Kross succumbed to Samoa Joe, losing his NXT Title in the process and making Joe the only man to have held the top prize on the black and gold brand three times.
With a move to the main roster now looking like Kross’ future, he debuted a new look on Raw ahead of defeating former NXT North American Champion Ricochet in a minute and a half.
Kross’ new look features a red mask that he wears during his entrance as well as ring gear that fits his dystopian character.
𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝑻𝒐𝒄𝒌. ⌛️
@WWEKarrionKross goes one-on-one with @KingRicochet NEXT on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/o2Qx3sZeBn
— WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2021
Continuing to be notable by her absence is Kross’ real-life partner and his NXT second, Scarlett. She has not been by Kross’ side throughout any of his Raw appearances despite being a constant presence with Kross on NXT.
Kross’ apparent departure from NXT comes at a time of expected upheaval for the black and gold brand. A refresh in terms of lighting, set and logo is rumoured to be on its way with the Capitol Wrestling Center set for a facelift in the coming weeks as well.
The brand is also said to be changing its philosophy in regards to recruitment although WWE EVP and NXT founder Triple H refuted those claims recently saying the ethos is the same as it’s always been.