Dolph Ziggler
Kaval won his first match on the November 19 episode of "SmackDown", by defeating the Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match. Following his victory, Kaval announced that he would be using his guaranteed title opportunity that he earned by winning "NXT" at the Survivor Series pay-per-view against Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. At the pay-per-view, Kaval was unsuccessful in his attempt to win the Intercontinental Championship. On the December 3 episode of "Smackdown", Kaval and Montel Vontavious Porter lost to Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. On the December 10 episode of "Smackdown", Kaval lost to Jack Swagger by submission. On the December 17 episode of "Smackdown", Kaval and Kofi Kingston defeated Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler.