WWE: Every NXT Champion Ranked

#9 Seth Rollins

The first ever NXT Champion

Seth Rollins was the first ever NXT Champion, winning the title in the finals of a gold rush tournament and reigning for 133 days. Serving as NXT's first success story, Seth Freakin' Rollins has made quite a name for himself.

In fact, he has made many names for himself. From Monday Night Rollins, to the Kingslayer, Rollins hopes to be dubbed the Beastslayer when he faces the Beast Incarnate at WrestleMania for the Universal Championship. It all started in NXT though, the stomping grounds of Rollins. It was as the reigning NXT Champion that Rollins formed the Shield with Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns.

#8 Bobby Roode

The "Glorious" era

The Glorious Bobby Roode enjoyed a glorious 202 days as NXT Champion. Roode made it clear that this was his NXT, and won the championship one year after debuting. Exploiting the injuries of then champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Roode won the title on the strength of old school in-ring technique.

Roode was a classic heel. His character was all about making money, and making NXT mainstream. The longer he was champion, the more money he could make, and the more popular NXT was, the more money he could make. Looking like a cross between Ric Flair and Triple H, Roode was every bit as good as he thought he was.

Roode even encouraged GM William Regal to pit two undefeated superstars, Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain, in a number one contender's match. Saying that it would be a money match and he would easily beat whoever won anyway. Unfortunately this is where Roode's luck ran out as McIntyre prevailed.