WWE Rumors: Huge Update On Former TNA World Champion Signing With WWE And When He’s Set To Debut
Near the end of March, two former World Champions had announced that they were indeed done with TNA and had left. Since then, there have been rumors that Bobby Roode and Eric Young are joining WWE or heading to NXT. During WrestleMania 32 weekend, there was talk that Roode had actually told people he was signed with WWE. Is he really? Has he already inked the deal, and if so, when is he going to start?
The rumors have been huge ever since Roode and Young revealed they had finished their time in TNA and were now free agents. Since then, the talk has been more that Roode was closer to signing with WWE than Young, and that the interest was mutual on both sides.
At NXT Takeover: Dallas, Roode was even shown on camera as he sat near ringside and was taking in all the action.
That’s @RealBobbyRoode at ringside at @WWENXT #NXTTakeOver: Dallas!! pic.twitter.com/4KcHpe4V2O
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 2, 2016
After that, Wrestling Inc. reported that Roode had indeed signed with WWE as he was backstage at WrestleMania 32 and introducing himself to everyone. Apparently, he was saying that he had signed with the company and then he rode with the talent back to the hotel where everyone with WWE was staying.
Well, that apparently isn’t as accurate as originally thought.
Just a couple of days ago, Bobby Roode decided to take to Twitter yet again and give the fans a little bit of info on his status. He was vague about things, but appears to be having fun with it all.
The rumor mill is swirling!! Gotta love it! #Staytuned
— Bobby Roode (@REALBobbyRoode) April 7, 2016
After that, The Peterborough Examiner reported that Roode had actually not yet signed with WWE, but things are getting quite close. Roode spoke with the publication to let them know exactly where he stands at this time.
“I’m not officially signed yet. The Internet has blown up over it, and I mean I’m close, but I don’t want to spoil anything or ruin anything. I want to wait until it’s official. I don’t want to jinx anything either.”
So, negotiations are taking place and he’s close to signing with WWE, but there has not been ink put to paper as of yet. Things are on the way though, and unless there is an absolute breakdown in talks, then fans can expect to see Bobby Roode begin in NXT soon.
It’s expected that he will begin there as the majority of new talent (rookies and veteran free agents) does begin in NXT. Austin Aries is currently there as is Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Hideo Itami, and a whole host of others including Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.
What’s really interesting is that Roode’s former tag team partner in TNA was James Storm and they wrestled as the extremely successful Beer Money. Last year, Storm made a couple of appearances for NXT before re-signing with TNA for more money and to work with Roode again.
WWE is really working the free agent market and the success is showing in their talent both in NXT and on the main roster.
Bobby Roode would really make an excellent addition to WWE and even to NXT, but a deal has to be done first. While there has been some confusion as to whether a contract is in place yet or not, Roode is currently still a free agent. It appears, though, that he is really hoping to sign with WWE and start as soon as possible in his new home.
[Image via TNA]
