Ranking The Subsequent Success Of Every NXT Champion

The NXT Greatest Matches DVD/Blu-Ray and NXT: The Future Is Now book both have Bálor in the most prominent position on their covers, suggesting that he has been the most impactful performer in the history of the developmental brand. This is certainly up for debate, but there's no doubt that he was a huge part of it for two years.

The Irishman arrived as one of the company's three big independent signings in the summer of 2014, sandwiched between the arrivals of Hideo Itami and Kevin Owens. His first rivalry saw him team with the former against the Ascension, whilst he soon became embroiled in a title feud with the latter.

Upon winning the gold at the Beast In The East event, Bálor's solitary title program was his ten month war with Samoa Joe, which saw them team together before squaring off in the main event of three successive Takeovers. His early position in the 2016 draft and subsequent capture of the Universal title after just 27 days on the roster were all votes of confidence in his ability to thrive on a bigger stage, but the injury that prompted his relinquishment just a day later threw a spanner in the works.

Since his return earlier this year, Bálor has lost just two singles matches, and has remained prominent in the pecking order. For whatever reason he is being kept away from returning to the championship picture, however.