There have been some extremely successful wrestlers coming from NXT; this does not only include male wrestlers, but also female wrestlers. Today we are focusing on the most successful male wrestlers to come from NXT!
Daniel Bryan
Many don’t remember, but Daniel Bryan did make his way through NXT before becoming the lovable, nature-loving, passionate wrestler we adore today.
Before Bryan came to NXT, he had quite the successful run on the independent wrestling circuit. He wrestled for New Japan, Ring of Honor, and more. However, his first run in NXT would not run smoothly, since he was fired and then rehired shortly afterward. The reason he was fired? He used a tie to strangle another wrestler during a match. Fortunately, John Cena suggested hiring Bryan back shortly afterward.
Seth Rollins
Shield member Seth Rollins had an extremely successful career in NXT. He is also one of the few who successfully made the transition from NXT to the main roster because we all know how that failed for certain NXT superstars.
During his run in NXT, Seth Rollins became the first to win the NXT title. The funny thing? He won the title during a match against Jinder Mahal.
I only have one thing to say, I’m sure glad he changed the intro he made his debut with. It looked like he was trying to kill an annoying fly on that stage.
Finn Balor
There is no denying that Finn Balor has something special most wrestlers can only dream about. Being the first to win the RAW Universal Title, despite having to give it up due to injury, Finn Balor is certainly on top of the list of most successful NXT wrestlers.
I have high hopes for Finn Balor in the future, despite some of the less than interesting storylines the WWE is forcing him in at the moment. I can’t wait for his reign to truly being.
Two best friends with a love-hate relationship finish up our list!
Kevin Owens
Beating John Cena while still being the NXT Champion certainly put Kevin Owens on the fast track to success in the WWE. Like Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens also had an extensive indie reputation before he even got accepted into the WWE. I expect Kevin Owens will also be one of the few to have a long and successful career in the WWE.
Sami Zayn
Despite being a little stagnant in the title conquering department, Sami Zayn is one of the most popular wrestlers to come from NXT. Therefore, I certainly believe he should be on this list.
During his stint in developmental, Sami Zayn had an extensive rivalry with his real-life best friend Kevin Owens. Later, the pair were shipped off to the main roster and continued their rivalry there.
Other Successful Wrestlers Coming from NXT
The wrestlers mentioned above are ranked the highest by wrestling fans on ranker, but I’m sure that everyone has their own personal list. There are countless other wrestlers who’ve been in NXT and are now successful on the main roster; this includes Big Cass, Enzo Amore, Tye Dillinger, Cesaro, Big E, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, and countless others.
In my opinion, being successful is just one part of the job, since the transition to the main roster could still go wrong. Just think about wrestlers who were hugely successful such as the Ascension, and then being downgraded to jobber status on the main roster.
Which are your favorite wrestlers coming up? Let us know in the comment section below!