Bobby Roode & Kota Ibushi Yet To Sign With WWE
Will the two global wrestling stars eventually join NXT?
Despite the internet hysteria over Bobby Roode's appearance at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, the "It Factor" of professional wrestling is yet to be officially signed to a WWE contract.
Roode's 12-year stay with TNA, which only ended in March, has earned him a reputation with pro wrestling fans as both a standout singles competitor and exceptional tag team worker. After partner James Storm worked two NXT tapings in 2015, many fans hoped the acquisition of Roode would have come earlier in order to bring the famed Beer Money Inc. to WWE programming.
However, Roode's signing with WWE alone is still yet to be etched in paper after Storm returned to TNA in January.
Speaking with The Peterborough Examiner, Roode revealed an eventual deal is highly likely but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
Im not officially signed yet", Roode said.
"The Internet has blown up over it, and I mean Im close, but I dont want to spoil anything or ruin anything. I want to wait until its official. I dont want to jinx anything either".
Along with Roode, Japanese star Kota Ibushi was also highlighted by WWE cameras at the TakeOver event at WrestleMania weekend. While Roode's signing is seemingly imminent, Ibushi's future with WWE is less black and white.
Still working as a freelancer, 'The Hard Hit Prince' is booked for WWE's Global Cruiserweight Series tournament to be filmed in spring, having recovered from a herniated cervical disc injury suffered in November.
He joins seven other performers already confirmed for the tournament: Zack Sabre, Jr., Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa, Noam Dar and Ho Ho Lun.