Will Kroos made a strong first impression on WWE NXT. The big man attacked NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo during his debut and returned weeks later under a new name, drawing praise from John Cena.
NXT debut and first attack
On April 28, 2026, NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo was cutting a promo when EVIL interrupted. After EVIL left the ring, Tavion Heights attacked the champion. While D’Angelo lay on the mat, a larger, unnamed man climbed the top rope and landed a backflip onto him. The man wore street clothes and surprised the crowd and commentators.
Fans quickly learned the newcomer was Will Kroos. Some critics noted his size, but many pointed out that Kroos moves well for a big man and can use the top rope effectively.
John Cena reacts
John Cena reacted to Kroos’ debut on social media. He shared a post praising the newcomer and later posted an image of Kroos delivering a piledriver during a match.
HE’S BIG. HE’S BAD. HE’LL BODYSLAM YOUR DAD!!! https://t.co/cPs7w7J6ha
— John Cena (@JohnCena) April 29, 2026
Who is Will Kroos?
Will Kroos was born William Walker in 1996 in England. He debuted in 2017 and worked on the independent scene. Kroos wrestled for Pro Wrestling Chaos, Insane Championship Wrestling, RevPro, and later Progress Wrestling. In Progress, he faced names like Joe Hendry and won the Progress Atlas Championship.
In 2024 he began appearing in Japan with Pro Wrestling Noah. At 6’4″ and about 300 pounds, Kroos looks like a big, slow wrestler to some fans. In the ring he often surprises opponents and fans with agile moves. Many compare his top-rope style to the late legend Vader.
According to UFCcoverage, John Cena has been familiar with Kroos for some time. Cena reportedly met Kroos and other UK talents backstage at a WWE TV taping and told Kroos he knew who he was. Sources say Cena likely saw viral highlight videos of Kroos from the UK scene.
Name change and return on May 5
Will Kroos returned to NXT on May 5, 2026. After Tony D’Angelo beat Tavion Heights, Kroos attacked from behind. This time he announced himself. He shouted into the camera: “My name is Mason Rook and I’ve arrived in NXT.”
NXT featured Mason Rook prominently on its episode coverage. WWE has booked him to attack the brand’s biggest name twice in two weeks, signaling he will be a major part of NXT going forward.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Mason Rook (Will Kroos) | Debuted April 28 by attacking Tony D’Angelo; returned May 5 and attacked D’Angelo again, announced himself as Mason Rook. |
| Tony D’Angelo | NXT Champion; attacked on April 28 and again on May 5 after beating Tavion Heights. |
| Tavion Heights | Lost to Tony D’Angelo on May 5; attacked D’Angelo earlier on April 28. |
Mason Rook’s quick rise and John Cena’s praise make him one of NXT’s most watched newcomers. Fans will be watching to see how WWE books him next.
