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WWE fans speculate on Roderick Strong's future after NXT 'resignation'

Matty Paddock

Roderick Strong looks set for pastures new in WWE - after stunning fans by quitting NXT following a five-year spell on the brand.


Strong has been something of a mainstay on the black and yellow brand, establishing himself as one of the best in-ring performers there for more than two years before a dramatic character change saw him switch allegiances and side with The Undisputed Era who'd long been chasing his signature.


With the now 37-year-old within their ranks, Undisputed Era went from strength to strength and firmly established themselves as one of the most dominant factions, not just in NXT but WWE as a whole.


The group's progress came to a shattering holt recently, however, following leader Adam Cole's dramatic decision to turn on team mate Kyle O'Reilly - leading to a bitter battle between the two at NXT Takeover: Stand and Deliver earlier this month.


With UE now in tatters, it looks as though WWE are choosing now as the time to pick a new path for Strong, too, who'd enjoyed multiple NXT tag team title reigns while a part of the group.


On Tuesday night, the first NXT broadcast in its new weekly slot included plenty of highlights - not least a segment where Strong handed General Manager William Regal is 'resignation' backstage.


The Brit reluctantly accepted Strong's decision before telling him he'd always be welcomed back to NXT - leaving fans to immediately wonder as to where he'll show up next.


One of WWE's flagship shows Raw and SmackDown look a safe bet, with one fan stating: "Really liked the Roderick Strong ‘resignation’ thing


"Wouldn’t it be great for him to turn up on Smackdown on Friday and put on a banger with Daniel Bryan or someone like that."


Another was less positive about the athlete's chances of success on the 'main' WWE roster, adding: "Off to burial on the main roster. Sadly"


One fancying that Strong is indeed set for Friday nights added: "See you in #SmackDown. [sic]"


An eventful evening saw a visit to their former stomping ground by new Raw Women's Champion Rhea Ripley and new Smackdown incumbent Bianca Belair.


The pair showed up to congratulate newly-crowned NXT Women's Champ Raquel González, who would later be interrupted by new arrival Franky Monet.


Elsewhere, there was the surprise crowning of a new NXT Cruiserweight Champion - just days after consolidating his title reign with a win over Jordan Devlin at Takeover, Santos Escobar was unseated by Kushida who snared the crown.


Image WWE/BT Sport


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