Pete Dunne Worked Dark Match At WWE SmackDown Taping

WWE has been known to use untelevised matches to test different things out over the years. Upcoming call ups from NXT or different gimmicks and feuds often get tried out in dark matches to see how the audience reacts and if there is good chemistry. Sometimes they are just there to send the crowd home happy This week’s SmackDown taping saw such matches before and after the show.

Before SmackDown went on the air, two NXT stars went at it, according to Sean Sapp. Tommaso Ciampa and his new look defeated Pete Dunne. Ciampa wrestled Dunne last Friday as well. The former NXT Champion took on T-Bar on this week’s Main Event.

Pete Dunne lost to Tony D’Angelo in a Crowbar on a Pole match on the most recent episode of NXT. Ciampa was not on Tuesday’s broadcast. WWE could be seeing what the crowd thinks while evaluating their talent.

After SmackDown ended, there was another dark match. Seth Rollins and The Viking Raiders defeated Roman Reigns and The Usos. Rollins will face Reigns at the upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event.

Anything could explain why WWE has been using Dunn and Ciampa in dark matches. The company has severely trimmed down the NXT staff and roster recently. They might one last look at what they’ve got in Dunne and Ciampa. Moves to the main roster could also be coming.

Tommaso Ciampa and Pete Dunne have done just about all there is to do in NXT. If there were ever a time for a call up to the main roster, it would be now. NXT continues to shift towards a major youth movement. The veterans might be moving on to something else.

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