Seth Rollins joined NXT’s predecessor FCW in 2010. The former ROH World Champion spent the next two years in developmental. In 2012, FCW rebranded to NXT, and Rollins debuted on the June 27 episode of the brand.
The future Architect of The Shield would soon find himself in the finals of the tournament to crown the inaugural NXT Champion. This version of Rollins was involved in some solid matches on the White and Gold Brand.
Here are Seth Rollins’ best NXT matches:
The Shield vs. Adrian Neville, Corey Graves & Xavier Woods
Months into their main roster debut, The Shield made a stop at NXT to interrupt a segment featuring Adrian Neville and Corey Graves. The interruption quickly turned into a six-man tag team match as Xavier Woods arrived to even the odds.
This Shield displayed their incredible chemistry in this match. The babyfaces had their moments of comeback, but that just wasn’t enough. A bucklebomb from Seth Rollins followed by a spear from Roman Reigns sealed the win for the Hounds of Justice.
Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre (NXT Title Tournament Quarterfinals Match)
This match was far better than their first singles outing in NXT. The August 1, 2012, bout also had high-stakes involved for both men. The winner would advance to the semi-final of the NXT Championship Tournament.
McIntyre arrived to his Broken Dreams theme song. The Chosen One delivered much offense with his explosive strength and size advantage. However, Seth Rollins bounced back and picked up the win with a Curb Stomp.
Seth Rollins & CM Punk vs. The Kings of Wrestling
Seth Rollins and CM Punk weren’t always bitter rivals. The pair tagged with each other on the October 17, 2012, episode of NXT. Punk had joined Rollins in a backstage segment in the lead-up to this match.
This tag team match followed then-WWE Champion CM Punk’s match against then-United States Champion Antonio Cesaro (aka Claudio Castagnoli). The Swiss Superman teamed up with fellow Kings of Wrestling member Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero).
Punk and Rollins displayed some surprising levels of tag team chemistry. The heels kept Rollins in the corner for most part of the match. The NXT Champion found some opening for a hot tag, allowing Punk to clear the house and win the match.
Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal (NXT Title Match)
Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal first came face to face more than a decade ago. The duo collided in the finals of the NXT World Championship on the August 29, 2012, episode of NXT. This was a solid career match for both men who’d accomplish a lot in the future.
Mahal was years away from reaching his potential. Rollins still had traces of his Tyler Black persona in this match. The match was a bit slow at times, but it didn’t stop Rollins from becoming the first-ever NXT Champion.
The duo met again for Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship on the January 15, 2024, episode of RAW. The champion retained his title but at the cost of a nasty injury in the show’s main event.
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (World Heavyweight Title Match – NXT Gold Rush 2023)
By far the best Seth Rollins match in NXT! The Visionary arrived at the Performance Center to answer Bron Breakker’s challenge for a world title match. Rollins had some interesting interactions in the locker room prior to the bout.
Both men put on a fantastic main event for the world title. Breakker looked explosive in his offense. Rollins was as reliable in the ring as ever. The champion took some nasty bumps for the challenger.
In the end, a second Curb Stomp sealed the win for the Monday Night Messiah.
Also read: Seth Rollins’ Best WWE PPV Matches
