NXT Takeover War Games won’t feel the same, as it won’t have the presence of the man known as Johnny Takeover, as he is going to out for the next few months injured.
The Injury Suffered
Gargano has suffered a cervical strain in his neck, which is projected to put him out of competition for about 12 weeks. That could be possibly even longer, because neck issues can be complicated to come back from. Hopefully 12 weeks is being generous and he is back before that time frame. If this injury was due to the attack by Finn, or just the damage his NXT Takeover performances take on his body is unknown at this time. Finn Balor was the straw that broke the camels back if nothing else.
Johnny Takeover
The last time Gargano wasn’t on an NXT Takeover card was the original NXT Takeover WarGames, where he competed on the preshow against Pete Dunne for the NXT UK Championship. Since then, he has competed in either a title match or hyped singles match for every Takeover, a record 8 in a row. This streak began with his breakout performance as a singles star against Andrade Almas at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia.
At NXT Takeover, Gargano holds an overall win/loss record of 4 wins & 10 losses, but it’s performances that make him Johnny Takeover. He always gives an effort which leaves him with the best match on any given card, baring his heart and soul for everyone to watch. The Johnny Takeover match style of high spots and near falls galore isn’t for everyone, but those who enjoy them; absolutely love them.
Balor vs. Gargano would have given both War Games matches a run for their money in terms of the spot of Match of the Night, but that match will simply has to wait.
Finn Balor Will Have To Wait
Finn Balor made his shocking heel turn at the expense of Johnny Gargano weeks ago, which intially set up the match for War Games which has been changed to Balor vs. Matt Riddle. This is a blessing in disguise, as War Games will already be a stacked show, and this injury simply saves Gargano vs. Balor for a show down the line which might need something to get people easily invested.
The moment when Gargano returns from injury, rushes the ring, and gets revenge on Balor will be one that leaves fans talking, and that’s something to look forward too.
Hopefully Gargano is back soon, as NXT is now without one of it’s biggest stars, and no one can fill Garganos shoes in the meantime. At Takeover War Games, Gargano will simply need to watch his wife Candice LeRae & best friend/rival Tomassao Ciampa go to war.
