The First 10 NXT Champions: Where are they now?

Seth Rollins, Bo Dallas, and Big E
Seth Rollins, Bo Dallas, and Big E

#9 Shinsuke Nakamura (August 20, 2016)

Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura had become a big name in pro-wrestling, way before he arrived in WWE, courtesy of his time in Japan. Nakamura won the NXT title after defeating Samoa Joe at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II. He would soon lose the belt to Joe, and win it back the next year in Japan.

Currently, Nakamura is a SmackDown-exclusive Superstar and is usually seen teaming up with Cesaro on the blue brand. Nakamura had a months-long feud with AJ Styles for the WWE title back in 2018, but failed to win the belt. He is yet to win a World title in WWE.


#10 Robert Roode (January 28, 2017)

Robert Roode
Robert Roode

Robert Roode won the hearts of the NXT audience with his 'Glorious' gimmick. They collectively cheered for him when he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the NXT title at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio, becoming the oldest NXT Champion to date with his victory.

This was his only NXT title win, and his glorious run didn't continue when he made his way out of NXT. He currently wrestles on the SmackDown brand, alongside Dolph Ziggler. Roode is a former US Champion, as well as a 2-time Tag Team Champion.

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