Former WWE NXT Champion Was Nearly Hired In Attitude Era

Former NXT Champion Bobby Roode has revealed that he was very nearly a part of the famous Attitude Era roster.

The 47 year-old was already a well established name in the industry by the time he arrived in NXT in 2016, most notably for his well-decorated twelve-year run in TNA Wrestling that saw him lift the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on two occasions.

Before joining TNA in 2004, Roode spent a number of years worked for multiple independent promotions as well as regularly competing in non-televised bouts for WWE where he caught the eye of management.

During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE United States Champion discussed being on WWE’s radar during the peak of the beloved period known as the Attitude Era. Ultimately, the creative department were short of ideas for the young Canadian at the time:

“I appreciate them telling me I was a good hand, they just creatively never had anything for me.

I was also Canadian, I needed to get a proper visa. And back then, I’m six foot and 225. Back in the Attitude Era I’m not a big dude. You know what I mean? Back then, like there was some giants.

I was a good hand and I could make guys look good, I was a good enhancement guy.”

Former NXT Champion Bobby Roode Unlikely To Wrestle Again

Bobby Roode has not seen in-ring action for WWE since a Live Event bout defeat to ‘The Nigerian Giant’ Omos in Amarillo, Texas on June 25th 2022.

Roode subsequently underwent neck surgery and began working as a producer for WWE during his recovery. Roode recently revealed that he is medically cleared to return to action but is unlikely to lace up the boots once again, instead focusing on his new backstage role.

H/T: ChrisVanVliet.com for the above transcription.