It is a special treat to see Johnny Gargano in action outside of big NXT events. Due to him often being wrapped up in major storylines, it is rare to see him lace up his boots for NXT TV. While he is set to face Finn Balor at NXT Takeover Portland, an issue arose between Gargano and Cameron Grimes at an NXT Live Event in Riverside this past Sunday.
This would serve as a lead into what would serve as a tune up match for Johnny Wrestling, a chance to ensure no ring rust come Sunday. It would be the first singles match for Gargano since he faced Shane Thorne back in October, as he would be injured soon after by Balor.
Johnny Gargano defeats Cameron Grimes
While Johnny Gargano is one of the best performers in NXT history, Cameron Grimes has only began to write his story. One of the hottest prospects on the NXT roster, Grimes has been bubbling underneath the top of the card for months, with him nearly earning a shot at the NXT North American Champion a few weeks back. With a major victory being all it would take to earn his way to glory, it makes sense why he would target Gargano.
Unfortunately for Grimes, Gargano is not someone who will be used as a stepping stone. It was a fantastic matchup between two of the best wrestlers on the roster, with the crowd erupting into a loud NXT chant on a few occasion. They would exchange all their signature spots, and it could have went either way at many points. It showed that Johnny Gargano is still in perfect shape for major singles matches, despite it being 4 long months since he would wrestle without a partner in his corner.
Gargano would earn a well deserved submission victory with his signature Gargano Escape. This match didn’t go exactly how Cameron Grimes planned, but he raised his stock regardless, and showed that he can hang with the top stars of the brand. He remains one big win away from glory, and that will come in 2020.
Do you think Johnny Gargano will be able to defeat Finn Balor this weekend? Does he lack the killer instinct he will need to take out Balor? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
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