5 best stipulations for Three Stages of Hell match at WWE NXT Takeover Toronto

It was announced this week that a rarely seen match type will be returning at the upcoming WWE NXT Takeover Toronto event, and will pit Adam Cole vs Johnny Gargano in a Three Stages of Hell bout.

The match was first seen in WWE in 2001, when Triple H faced Stone Cold Steve Austin in what is a modified two out of three falls match.

The Three Stages of Hell match is contested under normal two out of three falls rules, however, the participants in the match get to name the stipulations for each fall. In the case of Adam Cole vs Johnny Gargano, NXT GM William Regal announced Gargano will get to name the stipulation for the first fall, Cole will get to name the stipulation for the second fall, and should a third fall be needed, William Regal himself will pick the stipulation.

Let's take a look at the 5 best possible stipulations which could be added to what is sure to be an instant classic Takeover match.

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#5 Singles Match

If history is any indication, then it's very likely the first fall of the match will be a normal singles match, as was the case when Triple H faced Steve Austin in the very first Three Stages of Hell bout.

The idea of a normal singles match might seem rather bland, but it allows the competitors to build anticipation for the coming stipulations, which will progressively get more extreme. And despite the third fall not being guaranteed, we all know it will take place.

Plus, with Johnny Gargano fearing interference from The Undisputed Era in the match, he would be wise to pick normal singles match rules as the disqualification of Adam Cole would result in Gargano picking up the win in the first fall, giving Gargano the early advantage in the Title match.

But if the singles match is not good enough for Gargano, he could be insanely brave and pick an Iron Match man to kick things off.

#4 No Holds Barred Match

Adam Cole would be wise to select the No Holds Barred stipulation for the second fall of the bout, as it entails no disqualifications and would allow easy interference from The Undisputed Era.

Cole and Gargano had a legendary battle at NXT Takeover XXV, and a No Holds Barred contest could add to the violent extreme this feud has gone, and allow for some unique surprises leading up to the third fall of the match.

Gargano has once again assumed the role of the babyface chasing the WWE NXT Title, and the odds would certainly be stacked against him in a No Holds Barred match, making the third fall in the bout the great equalizer should William Regal choose a stipulation which once again eliminates the possibility of outside interference.

On the other hand, perhaps someone in the back, namely Candice LeRae, will come to the aid of Johnny Gargano should he find himself outnumbered in fall two, and that is when things could get very interesting.

#3 Steel Cage Match

When WWE decides to book matches in order to prevent outside interference from happening, the company usually goes to the Steel Cage match, but, typically, the results are never as intended.

The Steel Cage match concept does not necessarily mean outside interference cannot happen, as talents can simply climb the cage and jump in or enter the cage if they can manage to get the door open. GM's in the past have booked the Steel Cage match to keep out talents not competing in the bout, but it rarely works.

So a third fall Steel Cage match could present the opportunity for even more chaos to ensue in what will already be a likely complex battle. With a Steel Cage match, both Gargano and Cole have the ability to get violent in the bout and take it to very fitting climax, and The Undisputed Era can also make its presence felt by battling in and around the outside of the cage.

#2 A Ladder Match

A classic ladder match could be an excellent third fall for Johnny Gargano vs Adam Cole at NXT Takeover Toronto, with the NXT Title looming over Cole and Gargano's heads during the first and second falls.

Fans have yet to see Gargano face Cole in a singles ladder match, and the possibilities would be endless as to how the match could play out in the confines of a ladder match stipulation.

As mentioned, it's all but guaranteed that The Undisputed Era will get involved in the bout in some fashion, so a ladder match could provide for some 5-star chaos and violence which could bring the match to an incredible close.

There is no doubt that William Regal, who is no stranger himself to in-ring innovation, will be looking to add an extreme stipulation to the third fall of the match, and a ladder match could be a tremendous finale.

#1 Hell in a Cell

The NXT brand has done some incredible match concepts in its history, featuring a now-classic ladder match between Bayley and Sasha Banks, and resurrecting the War Games concept which was popularized in WCW by Dusty Rhodes.

However, one match concept that has yet to be done in NXT is the Hell in a Cell match, and at NXT Takeover Toronto, the stipulation could be thrilling, and a first for the Wednesday night brand.

With William Regal likely wanting to keep any outside interference to a strict minimum, the Hell in a Cell match would be the best way for Regal to ensure that the third fall of Gargano vs Cole is completely a two-person affair.

Of course, the Hell in a Cell match would also be a great way for Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole to cap off their feud, so here's to hoping Vince McMahon is not too protective of the match type as a main roster feature, and allows the men of NXT to try their hand at the chaotic bout.

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Which match types would you like to see Gargano and Cole select? Let us know in the comment section!