A few weeks ago on WWE NXT, Finn Balor shocked the wrestling world when he attacked Johnny Gargano. During a standoff with The Undisputed Era, Balor blindsided his would be ally with a kick to the head before hitting him with his elevated DDT known as 1918 on the steel ring ramp.
They were intially slated to face off at NXT Takeover Wargames in what became a very hyped singles contest, the first big test for the returning Finn Balor, but his assault on Gargano was a bit too effective, leaving Balor without an opponent for the upcoming PPV.
The Injury In Question
On WWE Backstage, longtime wrestling journalist Ryan Satin confirmed that Gargano suffered a neck injury in the vicious assault by Balor on that fateful day in NXT. The severity of this injury is unknown, but neck injuries in wrestling are never simple affairs. The stellar Johnny Garganos NXT Takeover performances puts a heavy toll on his body, meaning an injury was only a matter of time from happening. We hope Gargano has a speedy recovery so “Johnny Wrestling” won’t simply become “Johnny Watches Wrestling”.
Where Does This Leave Finn Balor
The cocky Irishman is now left without an opponent for the upcoming PPV event, but with him being the biggest star NXT had to offer, he will find his way onto the show in some manner. Most big names are tied up into the mens War Games matchup, which is set to be contested between The Undisputed Era and the team of Tomasso Ciampa, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, and a fourth but currently unknown teammate.
This teammate will not be Balor, as while he was beating down Gargano, he also abandoned Ciampa to be attacked by The Undisputed Era.
There are plenty of incredible talents in NXT who could push Balor to his limits in a showcase matchup. The two popular choices are Isiah ‘Swerve’ Scott & Dominick Dijakovic, both talented superstars in the making who have been building some momentum in NXT.
Balor being left off his first NXT Takeover since his return will not happen, he’s too big a star to not make an impact on this show. Whatever the future holds for him will be cleared up in the episodes of NXT that come between now & Takeover War Games.