4. Longest Reigning NXT Champion
Prior to becoming NXT, WWE's developmental league was known as FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling). In 2008, at just 18 years of age, Dallas signed a WWE developmental deal and began training at FCW. While there, he became a 2-time FCW Tag Team Champion and a 3-time FCW Heavyweight Champion. For the better part of 2013, Bo Dallas was the NXT Champion, and he held the title for a record 280 days. He became champion by defeating Big E in a grueling match, which saw him continually get up and battle back against the powerhouse (and benefit from the use of an exposed turnbuckle). Dallas has proven himself as NXT Champion successfully defending his title against the likes of Leo Kruger (AKA Adam Rose), Cesaro and Sami Zayn. He would also go on to have stellar matches against Adrian Neville, who he would eventually lose the title to in a ladder match at NXT Arrival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVHvIHmVUAo When the WWE selects a wrestler to become NXT Champion, they are making a big statement. They are showing us that they have a lot of faith in that talent, and in a way grooming them to become the next big thing. Take a look at the two NXT Champions prior to Bo Dallas, Seth Rollins and Big E have both gone on to enjoy success on the main roster. Seth Rollins is considered the architect of The Shield, one of the best factions of all time. Big E made a name for himself by debuting on RAW and attacking John Cena. He was by the side of Dolph Ziggler the night after WrestleMania 29 when he cashed in and became the World Champion, and he himself became the Intercontinental Champion. With the success of Seth Rollins and Big E in the WWE, it sure seems likely that Bo Dallas will be the next NXT Champion to follow in that path.