8 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II
6. Bobby Roode's Debut Shall Be... Glorious (Sorry)
Bobby Roode’s signing was a serious coup for NXT. The former TNA Champion is good enough to bypass developmental and head for Raw or SmackDown straight away, but NXT’s going to benefit immensely from having him around. A seasoned veteran with a great wrestling style, look, and charisma, Roode is the total package, and younger opponents will learn bucketloads just from sharing a ring with him.
He takes-on Andrade “Cien” Almas in Brooklyn, who’s undergoing a rough transition from Mexican Lucha Libre to the slower, more methodical WWE style. Almas was a standout performer in his native country, but he’s an unconvincing babyface, and WWE have struggled to give fans a reason to get invested in him thus far. His fortunes should improve whenever he turns heel, but for now, Cien is treading water, and that’s not a good spot to be in when you’re facing Bobby Roode.
It remains to be seen how long WWE plan on keeping Roode in NXT before moving him up, but he’s going to be a franchise player for however long he’s at Full Sail. Though the night’s top three matches will be tough to beat, this is a potentially thrilling showdown between two vastly contrasting styles, and it’s going to be great to finally see Roode compete in a WWE ring. Bobby should take the win here, and Almas will head back to the drawing board.