Will Kroos Debuts, Attacks Tony D'Angelo
The landscape of NXT shifted dramatically during the April 28, 2026, episode as a wave of new talent descended upon the brand, punctuated by the shocking arrival of British standout Will Kroos. On a night defined by roster "resets" and high-profile debuts, the former PROGRESS Atlas Champion made an immediate and violent impact by targeting the very top of the mountain: NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.
The debut unfolded during a chaotic championship segment that initially saw the surprise appearance of former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL. While the "King of Darkness" confronted D’Angelo in a tense standoff, the situation spiraled when Tavion Heights launched a blindside assault on the champion. As the dust began to settle from Heights’ attack, a mysterious figure in a black hoodie emerged from the crowd, scaling the turnbuckle to deliver a spectacular moonsault onto a prone D’Angelo. The hooded assailant was quickly revealed to be Kroos, whose sheer agility at 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds left both the live audience and the commentary team in a state of disbelief.
The presentation of the debut sparked immediate conversation online, as commentator Vic Joseph initially referred to Kroos as "a fan" who had jumped the barricade. While this "unauthorized" entrance added to the visceral, unpredictable energy of the moment, some fans noted that it briefly masked the significant credentials Kroos brings to the WWE. A veteran of the UK independent scene since 2017, Kroos has garnered international acclaim for his work in PROGRESS and Pro Wrestling NOAH, recently competing for the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship just weeks before his Orlando arrival.
Kroos was not the only new face to make a statement on Tuesday night. The episode also saw the debuts of Lizzy Rain, former New Japan star EVIL, and several standout performers from EVOLVE, including Tate Wilder and Kam Hendrix. This influx of talent follows a massive wave of main roster call-ups for stars like Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Sol Ruca, effectively signaling a "new era" for the developmental brand. By taking out the NXT Champion in his very first appearance, Will Kroos has bypassed the traditional line of contenders and firmly established himself as a primary force to be reckoned with on Tuesday nights.