Perfectly positive: Tye Dillinger out to prove himself against Bobby Roode at NXT TakeOver: Toronto
As he prepares for his impending match against Bobby Roode at NXT Takeover: Toronto, “The Perfect 10” Tye Dillinger sat down with WWE.com and spoke about the importance of this match and his message to the man that calls himself "glorious."
Match preview: Dillinger vs. Roode | Full TakeOver: Toronto coverage
WWE.COM: We are quickly approaching the highest profile match of your NXT career against Bobby Roode. Why did you want this match so badly?
DILLINGER: Because I want him to feel the exact same thing I did. We gave each other our word, man to man, to be partners in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, and he broke his word. As a result, I was left to the wolves. I want him to know what it feels like to be helpless, left beaten and questioning the nature of his decisions. I guess that, sometimes, bad things happen to good people, so I'll take lumps where I have to, but bad things also happen to bad people. Bobby Roode is not a good person, and at NXT TakeOver: Toronto on Nov. 19, bad things will happen to him.
WWE.COM: Let’s talk about that tag team match you had in the Classic against SAnitY for a second. Can you describe how you felt the moment Bobby abandoned you?
DILLINGER: In the moment, I was about as pissed off as one could get. It’s not uncommon in this industry for guys to look out only for themselves. I wasn't blind to that fact, as I knew that there could be a possibility that Bobby had his own reservations about wanting to team with me to begin with. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. The guy has made a name for himself as a tag team specialist and even though I had a gut feeling not to side with him, I wanted to win this tournament for Dusty Rhodes first and foremost. Unfortunately, I should have listened to my gut.
WWE.COM: How extensively had you followed Bobby’s career prior to his NXT debut this past summer?
DILLINGER: Bobby grew up in my area of Ontario, Canada. He was one of the main guys around when I broke in. I knew who he was immediately and I would watch him on various independent shows before I even began training. When I finally got going with my own career, Bobby and I would rarely find ourselves in the same locker room together. We both wrestled all over the area, but rarely ever crossed paths. We have both traveled the same roads, have the same group of friends and wrestle a similar style but we had never met in the ring until we got to NXT. His resume speaks for itself and I am fully aware of what Bobby Roode is capable of, but at TakeOver: Toronto, he will find out what Tye Dillinger is capable of.
WWE.COM: What was your first impression of Bobby?
DILLINGER: Bobby is talented. Just ask him. That's the first impression I got of him when he arrived here in NXT. It's important to be confident in your abilities, but it's another thing to hold your nose up in the air a little higher than it needs to be when talking to others. He said it himself, since coming to WWE he has had a difficult time making friends. Now we all see why. Bobby Roode cares about nothing and no one except himself.
WWE.COM: What are your thoughts on him now?
DILLINGER: Now? Bobby Roode is the kind of guy who will stab anyone in the back to get what he wants.
WWE.COM: How do you respond to those who may feel that you are an underdog heading into this match?
DILLINGER: I don't mind being the underdog in this. I've been the underdog my whole career. I'm sure there are WWE officials who don't think I can pull this one off. I understand that. Bobby's track record of accomplishments in this industry far surpasses mine. Everywhere Bobby’s gone, he's made it to the top. However, my greatest trait far surpasses most and isn't one you can find on my resume.
I don't quit and can't be broken. I have been through every up and down you can imagine in the world of sports-entertainment and I am still here running strong. The WWE Universe, I feel, have realized that and now, Bobby is starting to as well. Bobby Roode isn't better than me, he's just had better opportunities until now. On Nov. 19 at the Air Canada Centre, I will stand in front of 10,000-plus Canadians and I'm going to give Bobby Roode a next-level a**-kicking.
WWE.COM: As TakeOver draws near, what is your motivation?
DILLINGER: I get asked this question a lot and I wish I could put it into proper words. I couldn't tell you what exactly drives me forward, not only in WWE, but in life. I'm a goal-oriented person. I set markers for myself and when I hit one, I move onto the next. This match with Bobby Roode at NXT TakeOver: Toronto will be the biggest match of my career to date, so I really haven't looked past that.
A lot of people will say they strive and drive to be the best in the industry and I get that, but for me, I think I'm just pushing to be the best version of myself that I can be. If you put in the time, put in the work, be good to people on the way up and especially on the way down, something at some point will roll your way. But you have to do it your way. Forget the naysayers, the bullies and doubters, because sooner or later, you'll have the opportunity to prove them all wrong. I have been waiting nearly 15 years for this match. I've been waiting 15 years to prove the doubters wrong.
WWE Shows Latest Results
SmackDown results, Jan. 24, 2025: Rhodes and Owens engage in a post-match brawl heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event
Full ResultsWWE NXT results, Jan. 28, 2025: Bianca Belair and Naomi retain the Women's Tag Title against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson
Full Results