At NXT Takeover XXX, we will see a huge five man ladder match to crown a new NXT North American Champion. Bronson Reed, Damien Priest and Cameron Grimes are all on their way to this show, with two qualifying matches set for tonight. NXT Triple Crown Winner Johnny Gargano would be a favorite heading into his match, but he’s got a daunting challenge in the heavyweight bruiser from NXT UK, Ridge Holland.
Holland has never been pinned or submitted since making his debut in NXT, and is being viewed as someone who could be ‘the next big thing’ in WWE. Johnny Wrestling will need to be out in full form, but would that be enough to hand Holland his first loss?
Ridge Holland Shows His Power
The size advantage would be clear right out of the gate, yet Gargano would claim he doesn’t belong in the same ring as him. A lockup would lead to Gargano being sent face first into the ring, putting control in Holland’s corner early. One big shoulder block would send Gargano to the outside, where the veteran experience of Gargano came into play.
This didn’t account for much, as one strike in the ring would drop Gargano. Gargano had stomped the hand of Holland, and this would hurt the arm as a whole, giving him a target on the heavyweight. They would brawl in the ring, with Holland getting an easy upper hand until Gargano picked the ankle on the mat to apply a submission. Holland would simply kick his way out.
A rush into the corner which Gargano dodged would send Holland to the outside, which Gargano used as an opening to wipe his opponent out with a dive. A commercial break would follow, and through Picture-In-Picture we’d see Gargano use his wrestling skills to control the heavyweight in the ring.
Johnny Gargano Finds Himself In A Dangerous Situation
Coming back from commercial, things would not look good. During a spot where Holland was to catch Gargano doing a crossbody into a slam, Gargano would be dropped right on his head. He was noticeably rocked, and this match could have ended right there.
Gargano would sell the injury in the corner and nail a Superkick instead, getting a near fall. Holland would then almost be hit with the slingshot spear, instead catching Gargano and spinning him around. The powerslam would be hit, but Gargano kicked out. Another superkick would stun Holland, but he’d then pounce Gargano out of the ring.
On the outside, an attempt at a tornado DDT would see Gargano thrown face first into the apron. Holland would roll him into the ring, but Candice LeRae would grab the leg and allow Gargano and opening for a low blow. One Final Beat later, and Gargano is going to NXT Takeover XXX.
Will Johnny Gargano be the first ever two time NXT North American Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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