6 Things That Must Happen At NXT TakeOver: Chicago
2. Roode Survives... Just
Bobby Roode managed to survive the challenge of Shinsuke Nakamura, but now another Japanese superstar stands in his way. Hideo Itami has been plagued by injuries over the last couple of years and as a result it all feels a little now or never for the former KENTA. Should he win the NXT Championship this coming Saturday?
In a word: no. Whilst the prospect of Itami hitting a GTS in front of a rabid Chicago crowd is all too tantalising, it is too soon for Itami to take his place at the top of the NXT mountain. Bobby Roode has really come into his own as champion, and this reign is fast approaching career defining status. Throwing that away for a cheap CM Punk related pop seems a little silly.
Roode needs to leave Chicago with the belt intact, but only just. The 'Glorious One' is exactly the type of heel champion that loses nothing in winning dirty more often than not. Whether it is outside interference or a foreign object or some other nefarious route, Bobby Roode must leave Chicago as the NXT Champion.