#9 Sami Zayn
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Before his emergence on Monday Night RAW, Sami Zayn was once one of NXT's most beloved figures. A smiling man of the people, Zayn won the hearts of the Full Sail faithful during his lengthy quest to obtain the NXT Championship.
When this goal was finally achieved, after defeating Neville in an emotional contest at TakeOver: R-Evolution, he was attacked by Kevin Owens in a shocking moment that set the wheels in motion for both men to become genuine stars in the developmental brand.
Losing the NXT strap to Owens two months to the day after winning it, Zayn eventually was called up to the main roster. His ascension was delayed after injuring his shoulder during his debut against John Cena, but as ever, "The Underdog From The Underground" defied the odds to return and concrete himself as a mainstay of Monday nights.
His strong body of work has followed him onto the main roster, with Zayn having partaken in entertaining programmes with the likes of Owens and Braun Strowman.
His status as a cult hero in NXT goes to show that Sami Zayn could genuinely excel in a role similar to the one formerly occupied by the now-retired Daniel Bryan, if given the chance to do so.
