Bobby Roode is one of the best free agent wrestlers in the world but he has been linked with the WWE and its NXT brand for the past several months. According to the latest rumors, Roode is set to work in NXT full time after making a surprise appearance at the Download Festival in the United Kingdom.
The 39-year-old veteran left TNA Wrestling in March along with Eric Young after 12 years of working there. He has been shown on NXT television on two separate occasions and he is rumored to be close to a deal with the WWE.
Roode first appeared at "NXT TakeOver: Dallas" in April as a front row spectator while he was seen walking in the hallway during a segment at "NXT TakeOver: The End" on Wednesday, June 8. It is implied that he is in talks with NXT general manager William Regal about a WWE contract.
According to What Culture, Roode has signed a deal with the biggest wrestling company in the world and it's close to being made official. He made his NXT debut at the Download Festival in Donington Park, Leicestershire, England.
The former TNA world champion defeated Angelo Dawkins in a singles match as the live crowd cheered what they witnessed. He was advertised to appear at the NXT UK tour but was pulled out at the last minute. His appearance was a surprise and shocking but it is what the WWE wanted.
According to Cageside Seats, Roode will be working full time on NXT but he is not set to appear until next month. NXT has already taped all of its episodes for June and the next set of tapings will be for July.
The WWE will have a superstar draft on July 18 as part of the brand extension. It is expected that the main roster will raid NXT of their talents. The addition of Roode to NXT will be a big boost for the developmental if stars such as Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura gets called up.
Roode is not the first former TNA world champion that has signed with the WWE in the last year. Sting, Bubba Ray Dudley, Samoa Joe, Austin Aries and A.J Styles are now part of the WWE with James Storm appearing on NXT while Eric Young is close to signing as well.
Check out the video below for the top ten moves of Roode.