10 Most Emotional Title Wins In WWE History

If there’s one NXT story that can match Bayley’s rise for raw emotional impact, it’s Sami Zayn’s ascension. Sami’s story was very similar to Bayley’s in that he was always portrayed as “second best” in his respective division, but there are a number of factors that tip it over the edge.

Zayn had been in NXT Title contention for close to a year, but he’d never been able to win the big one. Adrian Neville, his supposed friend, was setting new records as a dominant champion, and their feud is a masterclass in modern wrestling storytelling.

Neville seemed safe on his ivory tower, but Zayn was creeping up behind him. Sami’s rise gained in momentum with every passing week, and it soon became apparent that he’d be next to challenge for Neville’s title. Time passed, and Neville slowly turned on his friend, producing some career-best work to rub Sami’s past failings in his face, and declare him incapable of ever winning the big one.

The big question heading into TakeOver: R Evolution was would Zayn prove himself willing to forgo his morals, and do “whatever it takes” to defeat the Machiavellian Neville? WWE answered it perfectly: presented with the opportunity to bash Neville with the title and “steal” a win late on, Zayn instead elected to take the moral high ground that had cost him so many times before. He pinned Neville with a Helluva Kick, clean and on his own terms, and the fans rejoiced.

The entire NXT locker-room poured down the ramp to celebrate with Sami, including Kevin Owens, who’d debuted earlier in the evening. As the wrestlers dispersed, Owens swerved the world, and downed Zayn on the ramp before demolishing him with an apron powerbomb. Thus began one of WWE’s best feuds of the modern era.