5 Ups And 5 Downs From NXT 400

by Ben Counter

1. Bobby Roode Vs. Roderick Strong

NXT 400 Bobby Roode Roderick Strong Backbreaker
WWE.com

Bobby Roode's entrance, music and shameless Ric Flair big deal schtick is one of the most entertaining things in NXT. All the stops were pulled out to make Bobby Roode a purpose-built title incumbent, and he's good at it.

The story saw Roode's titanically arrogant jerk being caught out by Strong early on, putting both men on equal footing. Strong's athleticism was clear and so was Roode's aggression and disdain.

Roode gave Strong every opportunity to be the valiant babyface, especially with Strong's trademark drum-tight backbreakers. The two got the crowd reacting to Strong's offence while Roode still looked like an aggressive badass and an outstanding technical heel.

The crowd-baiting Dusty ending was a mark against the match but it was overall a rock-solid title bout. It barely paused for breath and told a typical but well-worked story, with Roode giving Strong everything to get the crowd engaged.

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Ben Counter is a fantasy and science fiction writer, gaming enthusiast, wrestling fan and miniature painting guru. He was raised on Warhammer, Star Wars and 1980s cartoons that, in retrospect, were't that good. Whoever you are, he is nerdier than you.