After arriving at the WWE Performance Center last week, Robert Strauss (formerly known as Robbie E in IMPACT Wrestling) made his WWE NXT debut at Thursday’s live event in Sanford, Florida. However, it was not as a wrestler or even a manager.
Dressed in business attire, Strauss led Indian wrestlers Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar to the ring and introduced himself not as a manager, but as a brand. Strauss said he’s creating a brand consisting of elite athletes from all over the world.
.@WWENXT debut for @RobertStrauss being an advocate for @gurjar_saurav and @RealRinkuSingh. He’s creating an enterprise consisting of elite athletes from all over the world. #NXTSanford pic.twitter.com/eqCTyTmIw0
— Kyle (@FLWrestlingFan) March 22, 2019
We have the NXT debut of @RobertStrauss who leads Rinku and Saurav to the ring.
Robert Strauss is a brand. pic.twitter.com/yD3VL5HKWO
— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) March 22, 2019
Gurjar then beat NXT newcomer Jermaine Haley (aka Jonah Rock) in a singles match. Strauss got on the apron to distract Haley, allowing Gurjar to pounce on him and score the pin.
Ready to fight. @Jonah_Rock pic.twitter.com/799O0tdnHg
— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) March 22, 2019
M4 – @gurjar_saurav with @RobertStrauss and @RealRinkuSingh defeated @Jonah_Rock #NXTSanford pic.twitter.com/LsTj8Q9xya
— Kyle (@FLWrestlingFan) March 22, 2019
A worldwide brand. @RobertStrauss pic.twitter.com/P3R7itjhGJ
— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) March 22, 2019
Afterward, Strauss tweeted a photo of himself with his two clients and said that he’s building a brand.
Made quite an impression in the corner of @rinkusingh235 and @gurjar_saurav …In @WWENXT , I plan on building a BRAND! Tonight it began in #NXTSanford! #therobertstraussbrand pic.twitter.com/5uCcsBiKIV
— Robert Strauss (@RobertStrauss) March 22, 2019
Judging by Strauss’ introduction and look, his character seems to be a rib on All Elite Wrestling President and CEO Tony Khan. Some fans pointed out that Strauss looks like Khan.
Vince will always Vince pic.twitter.com/GUiejKerFV
— Kurt T. Man (@Highspeedkurt) March 22, 2019
