Which WWE wrestler won the inaugural NXT Championship tournament in 2012?

Seth Rollins won the inaugural NXT Championship tournament in 2012.

Rollins defeated Jinder Mahal in the tournament final on the July 26, 2012, episode of NXT. The championship was introduced as the top title for WWE's developmental brand, then known as NXT. Rollins was presented with the title by WWE chairman Triple H after winning the final.

The title's creation marked NXT's development from a reality-competition format into a distinct wrestling brand. Rollins later moved to WWE's main roster, where he became a multiple-time WWE Champion, Universal Champion, United States Champion, and Intercontinental Champion.

The NXT Championship should not be confused with the NXT North American Championship, which was introduced later in 2018. Rollins's tournament victory made him the first champion, whereas later champions were generally crowned through matches or other title-contest formats.