10 Awesome Matches WWE Must Book By The End Of 2017

8. Bobby Roode Vs. Drew McIntyre

Finn Balor Vs Brock Lesnar WWE Universal Championship Match
WWE.com

It looks like Bobby Roode will defend his NXT Championship against Roderick Strong sometime in the near future, but the next TakeOver isn’t until August 19th. That’s a long time away, and in all likelihood, Roode will overcome the former ROH Champion on one of NXT’s weekly television episodes, then move on to a fresh challenger for his big summer program.

The contender’s scene is crowded at the moment, and WWE could throw a number of different wrestlers into the chase. Aleister Black has a strong case after Roddy, but so does Drew McIntyre, and given that the big Scot has been competing against Roode on the live event circuit lately, there’s a good chance WWE are warming him up for a title shot.

While Roode isn’t the flashiest wrestler in the world, he has perfected his classic, methodical heel act, with his slower-paced offence grinding opponents down, and turning his bouts into clinical cheese battles. He hasn’t faced anyone close to McIntyre’s size and power, however, making this an exciting clash of styles, and a classic story of the opportunistic heel champion defending his turf against a surging, white-hot babyface.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.