The First 10 NXT Champions: Where are they now?

Seth Rollins, Bo Dallas, and Big E
Seth Rollins, Bo Dallas, and Big E

#5 Sami Zayn (December 11, 2014)

Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn

At NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, Adrian Neville took on Sami Zayn for the NXT title. Zayn had quickly become one of the most beloved Superstars among the NXT fans at the time. This was a title vs career match, with Zayn set to leave NXT if he lost the bout.

Zayn ended up winning the belt after a classic bout that lasted over 20 minutes. He is still a mainstay on WWE TV and is the current Intercontinental Champion on WWE SmackDown. This is Zayn's second reign with the coveted belt.

Corey Graves deleted his Tweet! More details HERE.


#6 Kevin Owens (February 11, 2015)

Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have been friends as well as rivals for a long time, going back to the time when they were active wrestlers on the indies. Following Zayn's NXT title victory, he was attacked by Owens, thus kicking off a heated feud.

At NXT TakeOver: Rival, the two Superstars battled in a singles match for the NXT title. In the end, Owens had beaten up Zayn to such an extent that he couldn't continue with the match, and the title was awarded to Owens following a stoppage by the referee.

Owens also managed to secure a place for himself on the WWE roster and was recently drafted to WWE SmackDown during the draft. Owens seemed quite happy at the idea of reuniting with his friend, Sami Zayn on the blue brand.

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Edited by Atharva Papnoi
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