Bobby Roode, Global Cruiserweight Series and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

Bobby Roode is a long way from joining WWE NXT, but his fans will be happy to hear that the company is at least communicating with the former TNA world champion.

The fact that WWE is interested in Roode is a sign of how its development brand continues to evolve. A trio of independent promotions taking part in the Global Cruiserweight Series is even more of a sign. WWE once didn't want any part of former TNA stars, and it certainly didn't have a working relationship with companies such as Revolution Pro.

But times are changing.

In other news, the WWE Performance Center had a famous visitor, Zamariah Loupe achieved a career milestone, and NXT welcomed a talented tag team. 

Tag Team Signs with WWE

The WWE NXT tag team division is set to add a dynamic squad. The Mighty Don't Kneel, who have entertained fans as part of Japan's Pro Wrestling Noah, are headed for Florida. 

WWE announced that "Michael Nicholls and Shane Veryzer have signed with WWE and will report to the WWE Performance Center in early April to begin training as part of a new class of recruits."

The Australian team will be miles ahead of the recruits who are new to the mat game. Nicholls has been wrestling since 2001; Veryzer made his debut in 2003.

They are an energetic, athletic team with a versatile offensive arsenal. It won't be long before they rank as one of NXT's best duos.

Zamariah 'ZZ' Loupe Makes NXT Debut

Notch one match and one victory for Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe. The former WWE Tough Enough contestant made his in-ring debut at an NXT event in Orlando, Florida, on March 26.

JJ Williams of F4WOnline wrote of the bout against Christopher Girard, "This was a basic match with a lot of ZZ headlocks between harsh uppercuts by Girard. ZZ rolled Chris up to steal a win in his debut."

It's not surprising to hear that Loupe didn't exactly blow the roof off the building. He is among NXT's rawest prospects, as fans saw during his time on the WWE reality show. 

Count on him working at the house-show level for a long time to come.

Indy Promotions to Host Global Cruiserweight Series

NXT continues to write its own rules.

The WWE developmental brand is set to team up with three top independent promotions. Each company will feature matches from the upcoming Global Cruiserweights Series. 

As WWE announced on its official website, "U.S.-based Evolve Wrestling, and U.K.-based Progress Wrestling and Revolution Pro Wrestling will all host bouts in the coming weeks to help determine participants in WWE's hotly anticipated 32-competitor tournament."

There is no shortage of talent in these promotions. Many top-flight wrestlers, such as Zack Sabre Jr., would likely be considered too small to make an impact with WWE. That's exactly why this cruiserweight tourney was created.

Evolve, Progress and Revolution Pro will earn some valuable exposure from this relationship. WWE fans are going to be in for a treat as those groups merge with WWE for a revolutionary short-term partnership.

Backstage Word on WWE Interest in Bobby Roode and Eric Young

The first question that many fans asked when Bobby Roode and Eric Young left TNA centered on whether they would next head to WWE.

While there hasn't been an answer to that question yet, the latest word is that WWE is at least in discussions with the two wrestlers. Dave Meltzer mentioned on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) that WWE has spoken to both men via an intermediary. The company reportedly has more interest in Young than Roode. 

Roode's age (39) is surely the reason for that, but Young is only three years younger.

Neither is likely to be highly coveted at this stage, but both would make valuable contributions to the NXT brand. Young has the versatility to play a comedic role, while Roode is the better overall performer and a guy who could help a young, developing prospect such as Baron Corbin improve his game.

Other News, Notes

NXT's biggest addition this year headed to the home base for the developmental brand. 

PWInsider's Mike Johnson noted, "Shinsuke Nakamura arrived in the United States this weekend for his permanent move to Orlando, Florida." Nakamura is set to take on Sami Zayn at NXT TakeOver: Dallas on Friday.

Johnson also reported, "The Undertaker was at the WWE Performance Center yesterday preparing for his Hell in a Cell bout against Shane McMahon at WrestleMania."

Hopefully, some of the NXT prospects had a chance to chat with The Deadman while he was in the facility. A man with that much experience and success offers a wealth of knowledge.

And Sami Callihan (formerly Solomon Crowe with NXT) has wasted no time in moving on since leaving NXT.

Callihan signed on to be a part of the third season of Lucha Underground, per Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet. Satin also noted, "Multiple sources say Sami began negotiations to join the roster not long after appearing in a dark match during a season 2 taping, and he's expected to debut at the Temple this weekend."

Being a part of the same promotion that houses John Morrison, Rey Mysterio and Willie Mack will prove to be a big boost for Callihan. He will have ample opportunities to get noticed.