The emerging NXT faction known as Darkstate has certainly made an impact with coordinated attacks on top stars, including a notable beatdown of visiting TNA World Champion Joe Hendry on this week’s broadcast. However, the group – comprised of Cutler James, Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars, and Osiris Griffin – has also sparked considerable online discussion, with comparisons being drawn by some fans to the largely unsuccessful main roster faction from 2020, Retribution.
These comparisons frequently appear on social media platforms and wrestling forums like Reddit (examples of discussions can be found in threads here and here. Fans often point to similarities such as the groups’ chaotic debuts, attacks on various roster members, and initially unclear long-term motives. Many express apprehension, fearing Darkstate might follow the same path as Retribution, often citing it as an example of failed potential.
This comparison carries negative weight due to the widely acknowledged failures of the Retribution angle on the main roster. That group, featuring talented performers repackaged with names like T-Bar, Slapjack, Mace, and Reckoning under widely criticized masks, suffered from inconsistent booking, unclear goals, and quickly lost credibility before quietly disbanding, becoming a cautionary tale for debuting factions.
However, not all reactions echo Retribution parallels negatively. Some observers hope NXT’s developmental environment will allow Darkstate to succeed. Former Retribution member Donovan Dijak (T-Bar) reacted positively to Darkstate’s debut Vengeance Day attack, tweeting “I like their style!” Reviewing their debut match, Jason Powell of Pro Wrestling Dot Net noted that while he had “mixed feelings,” the booking was “perfectly logical” in establishing the new heel faction. Fans on forums have also expressed cautious optimism that NXT’s booking might be better.
While it’s still early in Darkstate’s tenure, the frequent online comparisons highlight the challenge in launching mysterious, disruptive factions effectively. Many observers point to Saquon Shugars (formerly Lucky Ali) as having significant breakout potential within the group. Darkstate’s ultimate success or failure will likely depend on receiving clear creative direction and consistent booking that avoids the perceived pitfalls of the past.
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