Top 5 rivalries in NXT history

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the sports entertainment business, NXT is coping reasonably well. Ever since its inception, NXT has put forth great matches and rivalries for the world to see. Initially looked upon as a stepping stone to the main roster, NXT is holding its own against AEW in the battle for ratings and viewership every Wednesday night.

Although NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay is cancelled, NXT is still putting forth eye-catching segments in the midst of great adversity. The matches that were scheduled to take place during WrestleMania weekend are likely to take place on NXT itself in the month of April. The likes of Mia Yim and Chelsea Green were in line to compete for the NXT Women's Championship at the PPV, a match which is still scheduled to happen on an episode of NXT.

While the main roster has often left room for improvement, NXT has stood out with engaging storylines and critically acclaimed matches to top them. This has helped NXT create a loyal fanbase while attracting some of the best Superstars from around the globe such as Finn Balor and Killer Kross. Over the years, there have been several such feuds that have propelled NXT to prominence.

Here are five of the best rivalries in NXT history so far.

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#5 Bayley vs Sasha Banks

Part of the Four Horsewomen of WWE, Bayley and Sasha Banks paved the way for the Women's Revolution during their time in NXT. Although both of them did go on to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship together, their feud back in their NXT days was a game-changer.

While Banks was always the favourite, Bayley rode the underdog card to perfection during the rivalry. Both of them put forth high-quality matches, including the famous Iron Man match at the NXT TakeOver: Respect PPV in October 2015. Given the radical success of their rivalry in NXT will always remain the benchmark in the women's division.

Since moving to the main roster, both of them have gone on to win individual gold with Bayley being the current SmackDown Women's Champion as well. She is set to defend her gold against Sasha Banks, Lacey Evans, Tamina and Naomi in a Fatal-Five Way Elimination match at WrestleMania 36.

#4 Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn

Kevin Owens defeated Zayn for the NXT Championship

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have a long history with both of them going through a similar journey. Both of them have enjoyed success together and against each other on the main roster, as well as in different promotions. Their chemistry and talent always shine through with Zayn-Owens matches grabbing headlines more often than not.

However, at time of Kevin Owens' NXT debut, Sami Zayn was already a bonafide star on the roster. Although their friendship was the talking point when Kevin Owens strode down the ring to congratulate Zayn on winning the NXT title, things quickly turned sour. After a ruthless beatdown of Zayn, Kevin Owens went on to win the NXT Championship in one of the most emotional storylines in NXT history.

Both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are currently enjoying reasonable runs on the main roster. Owens, a former Universal Champion, is now feuding with Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn look set to defend his Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 36.

#3 Aleister Black vs Velveteen Dream

Velveteen Dream and Aleister Black aft their match

Aleister Black and Velveteen Dream's feud is one of NXT's finest and most intriguing. While Black was already in the good books of the NXT Universe, Velveteen Dream was a relative unknown. However, both of them put forth a masterclass - in and out of the ring.

The idea of Velveteen Dream trying to get Aleister Black to say his name was complemented perfectly by Black's callous attitude. The mind games took the feud to another level, with both individuals playing their parts to perfection.

This rivalry culminated at the NXT TakeOver: War Games PPV in 2017 with Black getting the better of Dream. However, Black did acknowledge Dream by saying his name, ending the feud with both superstars getting due credit. This rivalry also won the NXT Year-End Award, adding more gloss to the critically acclaimed feud.

Since then, Black has gone on to win the NXT Championship and is currently treading water on RAW. As for Dream, he is next in line to face Adam Cole for the NXT Championship next month.

#2 DIY vs The Revival

The Revival had a great run as NXT Tag Team Champions

Although The Revival has been rumoured to be leaving the company for some time now, they are still one of the best tag teams in the business. In fact, their feud with American Alpha in NXT put them on the map.

However, their best battles came against DIY, a.k.a Tomasso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. With four technically sound wrestlers in one ring, they were always going to create a buzz.

While The Revival came out on top in the first match at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II in 2016, Ciampa and Gargano returned the favour in an epic two-out-of-three falls match at NXT TakeOver: Toronto for the NXT Tag Team Championship. This match was even awarded Match of the Year, giving due credit to both DIY and The Revival. Their last match featured the Authors of Pain as well, who eventually went on to get the win and the championships.

While Gargano and Ciampa are still leading the way in NXT, The Revival has had a turbulent ride on the main roster. Although they have a couple of Tag Team Championship reigns to their name, The Revival has been critically underused by WWE Creative. While time may be running out for the first WWE Triple Crown Champions, The Revival's feud with DIY still stands out as one of the best in NXT history.

#1 Tomasso Ciampa vs Johnny Gargano

Where do we even start? Although Ciampa and Gargano's feud resembles that of Owens and Zayn, there is a lot more than meets the eye. Initially starting off as a tag team (DIY), Ciampa and Gargano went on to win the NXT Tag Team Championships. Despite their contrasting characters, they complemented one another perfectly as DIY held its own against the Revival and the Authors of Pain.

Ciampa's heel turn shocked the entire WWE Universe, which eventually paved the way for a series of bouts between the two. While Ciampa took up the cold-hearted heel role, Gargano rode the babyface card to perfection as they tore the house down on multiple occasions. Both of them teamed up briefly while appearing on the main roster as well before Ciampa's injury last year.

Gargano rekindled the feud once again as he cost Ciampa the NXT Championship against Adam Cole, setting up yet another exciting clash between the former team-mates. With another high-quality match in store, Gargano and Ciampa look set to add another layer to their already decorated rivalry in NXT.

Edited by Harry Kettle