Darkstate Makes In-Ring Debut at NXT Live Event Ahead of Televised Match on April 8

Just days before stepping onto WWE television for the first time, the new NXT faction known as Darkstate officially made their in-ring debut at a live event in Gainesville, Florida.

The group—made up of Cutler James, Saquon Shugars, Osiris Griffin, and Dion Lennox—has been causing chaos for weeks on NXT, taking aim at top stars and leaving destruction in their wake. Now, they’ve finally stepped between the ropes as a unit, competing in their first match as a full team on April 5.

Darkstate competed in an eight-man tag team bout and picked up a win over Javier Bernal, Drako Knox, Uriah Connors, and Drake Morreaux. It was a strong showing for the group ahead of their televised in-ring debut on Tuesday night’s episode of NXT (April 8).

That upcoming match will see Darkstate face off with Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans—the same three men they’re set to clash with at Stand & Deliver on April 19. NXT General Manager Ava confirmed the bout during last week’s episode.

While all four Darkstate members were in action in Gainesville, only three will be allowed to compete in the upcoming six-man tag on TV. WWE has yet to confirm which trio will represent the faction in their first televised bout, but given how dominant they looked as a unit, any combination could pose a real threat.