The Best NXT Wrestlers of All Time

Over 4.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best NXT Wrestlers of All Time

The following is a list of the best NXT wrestlers of all time. Forever. NXT is like the WWE's minor leagues... but it's also a brand of its own putting more emphasis on in-ring action and excellence in technical wrestling than any match that takes place on Raw or SmackDown. The wrestlers (or Superstars) in NXT are rapidly making a name for themselves and building an almost cult-like following amongst viewers who yearn for the technical superiority of wrestling days-gone-by. STOP ALL THE TALKING AND WRESTLE!

This is a list of the greatest wrestlers in the history of NXT. Who do you think is the top NXT superstar of all time? Vote for your favorite now!

BETTER THAN RAW! BETTER THAN RAW! BETTER THAN RAW!
Most divisive: Natalya
Ranked by
  • Finn Balor
    1
    2,580 votes

    Finn Balor

    Always destined for greatness, Finn Balor exploded onto the NXT scene with an in-ring prowess and charisma that was simply unmatched. With a unique wrestling style that blends high-flying aerial assaults, powerful striking, and technical mastery, Balor captured the imagination of the NXT Universe, culminating in a heart-stopping match against Kevin Owens in Tokyo where he won the NXT Championship. His captivating "Demon King" persona added an aura of mystique to a reign that saw him defend his title against the likes of Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.

  • Asuka
    2
    1,333 votes

    Asuka

    The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka, arrived in NXT with a reputation for being a dominant force in the world of women's wrestling, and she swiftly lived up to the hype. Possessing a lethal arsenal of kicks, submissions, and suplexes, Asuka reigned supreme over the NXT Women's division, becoming the longest-reigning champion in the brand's history with a staggering 510-day title reign. Unforgettable battles with Bayley, Ember Moon, and others proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Asuka was not only a trailblazer but a true icon in the annals of NXT history.

  • Shinsuke Nakamura
    3
    1,542 votes

    In a landscape dominated by homegrown stars and indie darlings, Shinsuke Nakamura's arrival in NXT felt like a tectonic shift, as the enigmatic King of Strong Style brought his hard-hitting strikes and larger-than-life charisma to Full Sail. With classic encounters against the likes of Sami Zayn and Finn Balor, Nakamura quickly ascended to the pinnacle of NXT, enjoying two reigns as NXT Champion during memorable feuds with Samoa Joe and Bobby Roode. Beyond the gold and the accolades, Nakamura left an indelible mark on NXT that still resonates with fans and wrestlers alike.

  • Adam Cole
    4
    946 votes
    Age: 34

    Few superstars have managed to make an impact as quickly as the brash, cocky, and ridiculously talented leader of the Undisputed Era, Adam Cole. From his earth-shattering debut at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III to his record-setting reign as NXT Champion, Cole has been living proof that the old adage "talk the talk, walk the walk" holds true, as he's delivered countless five-star classics against the likes of Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, and Pete Dunne. Equal parts technical wizard and charismatic entertainer, Cole's journey in NXT has been nothing short of legendary.

  • Kevin Owens
    5
    1,991 votes

    Arguably one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the independent wrestling scene, Kevin Steen, now known as Kevin Owens, took the NXT Universe by storm with his no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners attitude, and devastating power moves. His brutal and intense rivalry with Sami Zayn was an early indication of the heights Steen could reach, and indeed, his ascent to the top of NXT culminated in a thrilling victory to become NXT Champion. From his memorable clashes with Finn Balor and Samoa Joe, Steen paved the way for the next generation of hard-hitting NXT warriors.

  • Johnny Gargano
    6
    866 votes

    A true workhorse of NXT, Johnny Gargano's relentless drive and never-say-die spirit have turned him into one of the most beloved wrestlers in NXT history. His awe-inspiring matches against Andrade "Cien" Almas, Ricochet, and Adam Cole merely scratch the surface of the incredible legacy Gargano has built, as his remarkable resilience and unmatched storytelling ability captivated the hearts and minds of the NXT faithful. "Johnny Wrestling" may be an understatement for a man who, feud by feud, match by match, has carved his name into the pantheon of NXT's greatest competitors.