WWE: 5 NXT Call-Ups That Should Be Made After SummerSlam
By Tim Sherry
credit: wwe.com
2. Bobby Roode to Smackdown Live
Much like Asuka, Roode has nothing left to prove in NXT. Not only has he been a dominant champion but we’re talking about a near 20-year veteran who is the arguably the most accomplished superstar in TNA history, and at 40 years old now, the WWE needs to strike with “The Glorious One” while the iron is still hot. His upcoming match at TakeOver: Brooklyn III against Drew McIntyre is a perfect opportunity for Roode to pick up another signature win, relinquish the belt, and head for the main roster.
At Smackdown, there are a bevvy of opportunities for Roode. After all, he’s the one that has the only 2 real decisive victories over Shinsuke Nakamura since “The Rockstar” has been with the WWE and considering that Nakamura is right near a shot at the WWE Championship, Bobby should, by default, be right there as well. And then of course is his old rival, AJ Styles. The duo have a storied past from TNA where they battled several times over numerous different titles with Styles almost always getting the better of Roode. They’re a natural pairing. Roode still seems to have some good years left in him and with the star-studded blue brand roster, he’d only add to that level of competition.
Now, where does that leave the NXT Championship? Losing Roode and Itami would leave a major void near the top of the NXT pecking order. But with McIntyre, Kassius Ohno, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, Killian Dain, and if the sportkeeda.com report is right, an incoming Adam Cole, that title picture looks very bright and easily loaded enough for a title tournament after Roode gives up the strap. If Roode doesn’t debut after SummerSlam, then it’ll be after Survivor Series. Count on it.