Bobby Roode Debuts at WWE NXT: Latest Highlights, Comments and Reaction

After weeks of speculation, Bobby Roode made his NXT debut Saturday at the Download Festival at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England.

WWE NXT provided a video of his entrance on Twitter:

The former TNA World Heavyweight champion defeated Angelo Dawkins in his first match for the brand, but his NXT future has yet to be revealed.  

The 39-year-old veteran first appeared on NXT programming at NXT TakeOver: Dallas two nights before WrestleMania 32. He was shown observing from the crowd.

Roode was also part of NXT TakeOver: The End in a segment that featured NXT general manager William Regal following him into a room, presumably to have contract negotiations.

The Canadian star has long been considered among the best wrestlers to never be part of WWE with the exception of a few dark matches.

He accomplished essentially everything possible during his time in TNA, and NXT represents a new challenge for the former eight-time tag team champion.

WWE hasn't been shy about signing former TNA talent over the past year, with AJ Styles, Austin Aries and NXT champion Samoa Joe standing out as the prime examples.

NXT is technically in place to help develop up-and-coming Superstars and get them ready for the main roster, and while Roode is approaching his 40th birthday, he could be invaluable.

Even if Roode never makes it to WWE's main roster, he is an established veteran who has basically seen and done it all, and anyone who gets in the ring with him in NXT is likely to learn plenty and gain a ton of positive experience from it.

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