5 Ups And 5 Downs From NXT 400

4. Who Is Roderick Strong?

NXT400 Roderick Strong
WWE.com

NXT has a problem with Roderick Strong. As good a wrestler as he undoubtedly is, the brand is struggling hard to come up with a character for him. The level they have reached so far is 'nice guy with a child', putting more emphasis on the presence of Strong's infant son than on the personality of the man himself.

Packages and interviews about him paint a picture of a nice guy trying real hard, like a Diet Coke Shawn Michaels seeking his childhood dreams. Maybe Roderick Strong just isn't a charismatic guy, or NXT's creative haven't found the right schtick beyond generic glad-to-be-here babyface for him yet.

It could be there is another phase in the wings for Strong that gives him stronger motivation, a hook to distinguish him from the background noise and some inner steel to get the audience behind him. For now, though, Roderick Strong isn't really anybody, a create-a-character template with a long way to go before he becomes his own man.

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Contributor

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.