Bobby Roode Makes WWE NXT Debut At Download Festival
Former TNA Heavyweight Champion wrestles at UK event.
After months of anticipation, former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode made his NXT in-ring debut at Leicestershire's Download Festival in Donnington Park on Saturday.
He defeated Angelo Dawkins in a singles match.
Roode and former partner/rival Eric Young both left TNA in March after 12 years with the company amidst rumors that they were owed tens of thousands of dollars. Though Young has yet to sign with WWE, he did make an appearance at the NXT tapings on 28 April, losing a TV match to NXT Champion Samoa Joe.
Roode, meanwhile, has shown up on NXT broadcasts twice in non-wrestling capacities - first, he was shown sitting in the crowd at TakeOver: Dallas, and then he was seen walking in a hallway at TakeOver: The End.
Shortly after TakeOver: Dallas, Roode was advertised for the brand's June UK tour, though his name was pulled from the lineup shortly thereafter in hopes of making his participation a surprise.
Though it's not yet known what sort of contract (if any) Roode has signed with WWE, his repeated use suggests that such a deal is either done or on the verge of being made official.