9 NXT Champions who went on to become world champions in WWE

#2 Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins was the first-ever NXT Champion

Seth Rollins made a name for himself in the indies, particularly Ring of Honor using the ring name Tyler Black, before making his way to WWE's developmental territory FCW.

Rollins was the inaugural NXT Champion after winning the Gold Rush Tournament. He defeated the likes of Drew McIntyre, Michael McGillicutty, and Jinder Mahal en route to the title. He would drop the same to Big E before making his main roster debut in 2012 as part of The Shield, which also included Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns.

The Hounds of Justice would then dominate the entire main roster before facing a reunited Evolution in landmark matches at Extreme Rules and Payback, both of which they'd win. Then came the ultimate betrayal from Rollins back in June 2014 where Rollins turned on Ambrose and Reigns to side with The Authority.

The Architect would then win the Money in the Bank briefcase later that year and eventually pulled off the heist of the century at WrestleMania 31 where he cashed in his briefcase and pinned Reigns to emerge victorious.

Rollins has since gone on to become a Grand Slam Champion and has won every singles title currently in commission on RAW and SmackDown.