2020 has not been the best year of Johnny Gargano’s career. He was able to end his bitter feud with Tomassao Ciampa with a win, but that was the only major victory he achieved within the year. Even that victory was heavily aided by Candice LeRae, who was essential in him being able to walk away the victor.
Since then, he’s been doing things the Johnny Gargano way. He’s one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of the brand, their best big match wrestler, but without a championship does that really mean anything?
Johnny Gargano Wants To Prove He’s Still The Ace
After a failure of a feud against Keith Lee over the North American Championship, and then getting bested by Bronson Reed in a triple threat match two weeks ago, he’s been on a downward spiral as of late. However, a big win over Roderick Strong in a singles match this past week might be just what he needed as he has a new goal.
Speaking with Sports Illustrated recently, he would say the following.
“I’m looking to prove that I’m still the ace, that I’m still the guy. I may not have the NXT Championship, I may not have the North American Championship, but I still believe I am the face of this brand. I still believe, when you watch NXT, you watch for Johnny Gargano, who can go in the ring like no one else.”
We saw more of the old Johnny Gargano in his latest matches, with pockets of the fast paced offense that made him one of the best in the world. He just has more of an edge to his style now.
What Will NXT Takeover XXX Hold For Gargano?
With him failing to make it into the five man ladder match for the now vacant NXT North American Championship, and Karrion Kross being set up to face Keith Lee at the championship, it might be hard to see Gargano making much of an impact on this card. However, there is usually a grudge match on these shows.
Another man who has held the mantle of ace in NXT is Finn Balor, who is in a similar boat going into Takeover XXX. They previously clashed at NXT Takeover: Portland, in one of the best matches of 2019. On that night, Balor got the win after hitting Gargano with 1916.
That match was one of the big losses which led to Gargano snapping, and redeeming that defeat might be all he needs to get himself back on top of NXT and in-line for a title shot shortly after.
Do you think we will see Johnny Gargano vs. Finn Balor at NXT Takeover XXX? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
