WWE NXT: All 26 Champions in Brand’s History, Ranked

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15. Bobby Roode

Bobby Roode had a bit of a slow burn toward the NXT Championship. He had to defeat Andrade “Cien” Almas at TakeOver: Brooklyn II and Tye Dillinger at TakeOver: Toronto, before moving into the title hunt.

The Glorious One received an opportunity against Shinsuke Nakamura at TakeOver: San Antonio, looking to end the second two-time NXT Champion’s reign. He actually did so, completing his ascension to the main event scene in an entertaining match.

Roode’s run at the top has seen him main event one live special as champion, and have two successful defenses. It’s kept him undefeated, too, which has been a quiet accomplishment for the NXT Champion.

Like the Authors of Pain, we’re still early in Roode’s title run. However, he’s held things down at the top of the card. This includes some terrific promos and two main event-worthy matches at TakeOver events. He’s owning up to the task of being the top heel of the show, which moves him into the middle of the pack for this ranking. Depending on what happens toward the end of the Canadian star’s run, he could move up.