10 WWE Stars We Expected To Be World Champion By Now
4. Bobby Roode
Bobby Roode is 'Glorious' in nickname and robe alone at this point.
He has become no better or worse than other forgotten NXT call-ups No Way Jose, The Authors Of Pain and Tye Dillinger. Defined (in the loosest sense of the word) by a characteristic he tells, rather than shows.
AoP present themselves as monsters even though they've barely frightened Titus Worldwide. No Way José literally refuses not to have a good time by virtue of his own name and yet can't gain a victory to actually justify the celebrations. Bobby Roode is glorious because he says he is, not because he is.
This would be fine if it were a heel spin on his genuinely excellent NXT stint, but it's a crowd-popping catchphrase gone to die. Roode as a wrestler and Roode the gimmick both suit selfish stewardship of a top strap. As a heel champion, he wrestles smart and understated battles than express his studiousness and - when necessary - conniving ruthlessness.
These traits, along with titles, plaudits and acclaim, are completely absent on the main roster. Repeated losses don't even seem to be triggering a turn either, suggesting that his heavenly entrance may be the closest he comes to main roster immortality.