Bobby Roode on Favorite TNA Moment, NXT Career, Being on SmackDown

Sports Illustrated held a recent interview with Bobby Roode discussing his favorite moment from TNA, his time on NXT, and his future in the WWE and Smackdown brand.

On the topic of his career in TNA, Roode revealed his favorite moment was being involved in the Jay Lethal and Ric Flair segment where Lethal impersonated Flair and his “Woo” catchphrase. Said everyone in the ring was having a hard time not laughing at the absurdity going on during the segment.

“That moment with Ric was such a great moment. In that particular moment, I didn’t keep a straight face. I don’t think anyone in that ring kept a straight face. If you thought we did, it was just good editing by the camera crew.”

On the topic of his time in NXT, Roode revealed NXT did a really good job of revitalizing his passion in wrestling. He got to work with some really great people at WWE’s Performance Center and working with Shawn Michaels as his biggest highlight there.

“NXT brought my passion back,” said Roode. “I got the chance to work with all the coaches down at the Performance Center, and I was able to pick Triple H’s brain, too. Also, working with Shawn Michaels was amazing. He’s been very supportive of me, and extremely helpful.”

Later in the interview, Roode mentioned how the past year in the WWE has been a surreal experience for him and he’s looking forward to his future on the Smackdown brand.

“This past year was really gratifying on many different levels. To come here with the experiences I’ve had, and to have the year I’ve had and be looked upon in the locker room as a leader with people coming to me for advice, it’s still surreal to me.

There are so many great minds within this company, and I’m learning every day. I truly believe that, in this business, you can never learn enough.”

“I’ve been in this business for two decades. But the fun is just about to begin.”