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Karrion Kross is a very special character in NXT, and he can easily become the focal point of the show. Although many people have been critical of Kross' in-ring ability, his compelling gimmick makes him a must-see attraction.
Kross has quickly become a dangerous player on the back-and-gold brand. He missed a few months when he suffered a separated shoulder last summer. Still, he bounced back at NXT New Year's Evil with a decisive win over Damian Priest.
Various reports have suggested that Priest will be called up to the main roster. So it's safe to assume that this feud is over. As a result, Kross needs a new rivalry.
From challenging for the NXT Championship to battling some of the brand's top stars, Kross could head in any number of compelling directions. Here's a look at some possible feuds for Kross as he prepares to begin a new chapter of his career.
#5 Karrion Kross vs. Adam Cole
Since Adam Cole dropped the NXT Championship, he has stayed away from the title picture. Like Kross, Cole is looking for a new feud. He'll compete in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, which begins next week. But he still seems like a perfect target for Kross.
As one of NXT's main stars, Cole could help Kross return to the main event scene. Cole's rivalry with Pat McAfee kept him in the spotlight on the black-and-gold brand, and a feud with Kross would achieve the same goal.
Because the Undisputed ERA turned face recently, a heel like Kross can be the perfect enemy for the group. Plus, a few months ago, Kross seemed to be coming after Cole when he used an hourglass to send a message to the NXT Champion. Maybe NXT will bring this rivalry back to the forefront.
It would be interesting to see Cole and Kross clash in a star-studded feud. NXT could easily launch this feud, as both former champions need a heated rivalry to help them stay relevant.
#4 Karrion Kross vs. Dexter Lumis
Many fans would love to see Karrion Kross face Dexter Lumis. It would be intriguing to see this clash between both men have unique gimmicks. Both NXT Superstars strike fear into their opponents. The idea of these mysterious characters batting it out should excite wrestling fans.
After his feud with Cameron Grimes, Lumis is looking for a new feud on NXT. Kross could be the adversary he's searching for. A feud with Kross could also help elevate Lumis, as he has struggled find a strong base for his character in NXT. He feuded with the Undisputed ERA, but he wasn't in the spotlight during that storyline.
He went have a rivalry with Grimes, and this feud gave him some room to grow and nourish his character. Still, Lumis needs a dynamic feud to take him to the next level on the black-and-gold brand. A heated rivalry with Kross might be able to give Lumis' character what it has been missing. Both men might benefit from this rivalry, though neither star can afford to lose it.
#3 Karrion Kross vs. Tommaso Ciampa
This story pretty much writes itself. Kross's first feud in WWE was with Tommaso Ciampa. This bitter rivalry reached its climax at NXT Takeover: In Your House. Kross had a very strong showing, and he squashed Ciampa in a short match. This contest was Kross's first major bout in NXT, and he absolutely destroyed Ciampa. At the end of the match, Kross stood tall over the former NXT Champion.
After this crushing defeat at the hands of "The Herald of Doomsday", Ciampa took a break. "The Blackheart" returned to NXT with a new attitude, and Ciampa probably hasn't forgotten about this loss. Ciampa might hope to avenge this defeat. If he does, this feud could be a compelling story.
Ciampa recently defeated Timothy Thatcher at NXT Takeover: WarGames. NXT should revisit this rivalry soon because "The Blackheart" and Kross both have a lot of momentum right now. This battle of NXT Champions could help both men remain prominent players on the black-and-gold brand.
#2 Karrion Kross vs. Kyle O'Reilly
Much like Karrion Kross, Kyle O'Rielly has a lot of momentum on his side right now. He competed in the main event of the past two NXT TakeOver shows. He has also challenged Finn Balor for the NXT Championship in two remarkable matches. Their bout at NXT Takeover 31 won NXT's Match of the Year Award. O'Reilly earned a rematch at NXT New Year's Evil.
But the former NXT Tag Team Champion came out on the losing side of both contests. In order to keep O'Reilly's momentum going, WWE should put him in a feud against another major star. Karrion Kross might be the opponent he needs. "The Herald of Doomsday" is undefeated so far, but O'Reilly could try to break his intimidating streak.
Plus, many fans would like to see this feud. O'Reilly might seem like the underdog in this potential match, but he could hold his own against Kross. It would be a treat to see these two stars battle in what could be the most technical and stiff wrestling match of the year.
#1 Karrion Kross vs. Finn Balor
After Kross defeated Keith Lee in a grueling match at NXT Takeover XXX, he had to vacate the NXT Championship because he suffered a shoulder injury during that match. Kross delivered a heated promo on the following episode of NXT. When he relinquished the title, "The Herald of Doomsay" vowed that he would be coming for the title soon. Now that he's back, Kross is bound to get the shot at the title.
Finn Balor won the vacated championship at NXT Super Tuesday II last year. "The Prince" just retained the title against O'Reilly at NXT New Year' Evil. He's a resilient competitor, and even if Kross comes for him, Balor won't go down without a fight.
Kross has already planted the seeds for this match. Scarlett had a confrontation with Balor, and the champion declared that he's ready for Kross. It seems like it's only a matter of time before Kross challenges Balor for his title.
Kross has reemerged as a dominant force on NXT. But Balor will probably do everything in his power to stop "The Herald of Doomsday" from taking his title.
