Bobby Roode On If It Was Hard To Leave TNA, Not Signing With WWE Earlier, Moving To Main Roster
Brian Fritz of Sporting News has a new interview with Bobby Roode. Below are a few highlights:
If it was hard to leave TNA after his 12 year run:
"At the time, not really. I don't really have a negative thing to say about that company. I was treated extremely well there for 12 years and financially I was taken care of. Honestly, it was just time for me to go. I never really got into this industry for the money although it's nice. I've been able to make a career and support my family for the last 12 years doing what I love to do. But that was just it. The last two years of that company, I didn't love it any more. I started to lose my passion which was concerning to me. I didn't like being away. I didn't like performing. TNA became a place where it was just a television product and I got into this business to perform and be on the road. There was a time in that company where you could do that. You could go on the road and do live events. I've always been about learning. No matter how long I've been in the business or where I've been in a company, I've always wanted to continue to learn. During those times in TNA when we were on the road doing live events, I would always ride with guys like Bully Ray or Kurt Angle, Christian at the time. Guys like that and sit under the learning tree and learn from these guys.
"It got to a point those last two years there in TNA that we literally just went and did television and it wasn't fun for me anymore. I had 12 great years and I just felt like at my age and at my stage in my career I wanted a different opportunity and that's all I wanted. My first conversation with WWE was just that. I want opportunity and they've given me the opportunity and here I am today."
If he regrets not signing with WWE earlier:
"I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. My contract came up a couple of times in TNA but they were always there to answer the bell. I never disliked the place. Obviously, the last two years, like I said, were challenging for me mentally but I think that this was the right time. I guess, looking back, who knows if I should have came earlier, if I had the opportunity to come earlier. I think that everything happens for a reason and I think WWE and myself felt like this was the time and so far, so good."
If he's content on NXT or wants to move to the main roster:
"The way that I look at it, NXT is such a hot brand. It's probably the hottest brand under the WWE umbrella right now. It's not viewed any more, in my opinion, as a developmental territory. It is but it's a touring brand now and we have our own television show. If TakeOver is any sign, selling out the Barclays with over 15,000-plus people for an NXT event, it's a brand and I'm happy to be a part of that brand. I'm happy to be a big part of that brand right now. Wherever my career takes me, whether it be "moving up to the main roster" or staying in NXT doing what I'm doing now, I'm quite content having my passion back for this business and doing what I love to do."
Roode also discussed his "Glorious" theme, his entrance at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn, former TNA stars finding success in WWE and more. You can check out the full interview by clicking here.
Source: Sporting News