NXT has had a reputation for being the fan’s brand. For many of us it brings us back to why we fell in love with professional wrestling in the first place. And for that brand there is few things more important than its champions. There have been twelve NXT Champions as of this writing, but where do they rank among themselves?

12. Sami Zayn

In the grand scheme of things there really is no such thing as a “bad” NXT Champion, and Sami played his role to perfection. It is, however, the reign itself was short lived, and it is the reason he is at the bottom of this list. Of course, the means of which he won the championship will live forever in many hearts, and his loss to Kevin Owens will be a great image to look back on when the two inevitably reignite their feud. As with a lot of underdogs, winning the championship is much more remembered than the actual reign, but in Sami’s case, his win over Neville for the NXT Championship is one of the best.

11. Big E

Arguably the least memorable NXT Champion, Big E wasn’t a terrible champion, but rather he suffered from no real competition to battle him for the belt. Most of, if not all, of the best NXT Champions had a great rival to build their reign off of. Unfortunately, Big E never had that rival. While he did have a lengthy reign, most of his defenses came by defeating superstars who are no longer with the WWE. Not that it mattered, as he is one of the most well off superstars on the main roster.

10. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre could have realistically returned to the main roster rather than NXT. However, the story that was told with his return was second to none. A story of redemption capped off with a championship win made for a great moment, and though his reign was short the impact didn’t go unnoticed. His return made NXT even more of a household name than it already was, and his run will add fuel to the fire whenever he reemerges on the main roster. In the future his reign may be a forgettable one, but it was part of an overall story a lot of us are invested in. Its even fitting that McIntyre had participated in the tournament to crown the first NXT Champion. He would lose to Seth Rollins who would go on and win the tournament.

9. Seth Rollins

As the inaugural NXT Champion, Rollins gets some bonus points for the historical significance. Going into the new version of NXT there needed to be something big to wipe the slate clean, and with the NXT Championship debuting a tournament was held to determine the first NXT Champion. Out of the names in the running, especially in hindsight, Rollins was one of if not the fan favorites. The following reign helped solidify Rollins as a future mainstay of the company, and did well to set him up for his successes down the road. While perhaps not the most remembered or well received, for the first reign it isn’t one to sneeze at.

8. Shinsuke Nakamura

It wasn’t long after Nakamura’s debut against Sami Zayn that he was looking toward championship gold, and for good reason. Nakamura was already the most over act in NXT when he arrived, and it was only a matter of time before he was top face. What may set Nakamura was his lack of defenses as Joe was able to recapture the championship in his rematch and Bobby Roode dethroned the King of Strong Style in their first outing. However, it can’t be denied that both wins were shocking, and helped add to the characters of Nakamura and his rivals.

7. Samoa Joe

Upon his debut, it didn’t seem like Joe would be holding the top title. But once it was clear his work as a monster and a heel was going above and beyond, it wasn’t too far fetched to see him holding the NXT Championship. Finn Balor was no longer needed in the role, and there called for a changing of the guard. It was, however, the fact that Joe won the title at an NXT house show. It shook not only NXT, but WWE to its core. The run after the fact was entertaining, with Joe at his best, cutting promos and holding himself in high standard as other great heels are prone to do.

6. Bobby Roode

Without a doubt the best booked champion in NXT history, second only to Asuka, Roode had a dominant run as champion. Like Samoa Joe before him, he carried himself well and his gimmick fit well with a championship run. It is because of this run that many desire Roode to return to his heel roots on the main roster. The confidence, arrogance, and in ring psychology came together is such a perfect package that it was must see whenever he was on our screens. He was indeed a glorious champion.

5. Andrade Cien Almas

The current NXT Champion has taken his opportunity and ran with it. From his shocking victory over Drew McIntyre to his defenses against Johnny Gargano, its been an entertaining ride. Almas had been floundering in NXT for some time before obtaining the managerial assistance of Selena Vega, who subsequently turned his NXT career around and brought him to the main event. Going into the reign, there was some speculation on how good Almas could be on top, but I think it’s fair to say those doubts have all but diminished.

4. Bo Dallas

Despite having the least impressive career on the main roster, Bo Dallas is still remembered as having a very much impressive NXT Championship reign. To many, this was the beginning of the NXT we know and love today. Bo not only fleshed out his character before and during his run, but he put on some entertaining matches with the likes of Cesaro, Sami Zayn, and Neville. Speaking of which, Dallas’ feud with Neville elevated the title to where it is today. It’s a shame Dallas couldn’t manifest his NXT success onto the main roster, but at least we have this gem of a title run.

3. Kevin Owens

Winning the championship in record time, Owens was set up as a top star upon setting foot in NXT with his attack on then best friend, and NXT Champion, Sami Zayn. He was able to dominate the brand and flesh out his cocky character before he was able to get more eyes on NXT with his feud with John Cena. He arguably brought more fanfare than any other champion as he was able to promote the bran while on the main roster.

2. Neville

While Neville’s recent run as Cruiserweight Champion was a highlight for many, it was his NXT Championship reign people will remember best. A lot of athletic superstars were enhanced in NXT by its storytelling, both in and out of the ring, and Neville was certainly no exception. Turning from resident good guy into a more arrogant title holder was a great arc that even played into his King of the Cruiserweights gimmick. And needless to say, his matches were some of the best the brand has ever seen.

1. Finn Balor

Balor’s time as champion is looked upon most fondly by the fans, and for good reason. As the longest reigning NXT champion, it is clear Balor was the backbone of NXT. Even when he wasn’t champion, it was clear Balor was important to the aura of the brand. Defense after defense, Balor withstood the storm and lead NXT into its golden age. There may be no other competitor that had established himself within the company in such a way. It is for this, as well as his matches, the time on top, and the plethora of opponents he toppled, that he is considered by many to be the greatest NXT champion of all time… for now.