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What's the story?
Johnny Gargano, fresh of his incredible match at NXT TakeOver Philadelphia, challenged Andrade "Cien" Almas to another title match at the recent NXT tapings, with the added caveat that if he lost, he would leave NXT.
In case you didn't know...
Johnny Gargano's singles success has become one of WWE's most compelling stories since his tag-team partner Tomasso Ciampa turned on him and attacked him. At first, he wasn't getting any luck and then all of a sudden everything changed, leading to Gargano winning a Fatal Fourway #1 Contendership match. However, Gargano fell short at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia.
The heart of the matter
At the start of the tapings, Gargano called out Tomasso Ciampa who had returned to attack him after his title match at Royal Rumble weekend. Instead, Andrade "Cien" Almas and Zelina Vega came out. A match was then made between the two for the NXT Title, with the condition that Gargano leaves NXT if he loses.
The match goes the same way as Philadelphia, with Gargano and Almas trading shots until Zelina Vega starts trying to tip the odds, causing Gargano's wife Candice LeRae to even them.
However with the two women no longer at ringside, it would still prove to be outside interference deciding the match, and you guessed it, it would be Tomasso Ciampa. During the final moments, the referee takes a bump, giving Ciampa ample opportunity to enter the ring and attack Gargano with his crutch. Almas capitalises as the referee rouses and picks up the win.
What's next?
For those thinking that William Regal would reverse the decision or that it wouldn't actually happen, I have some bad news for you. After the match, William Regal actually came out to console Gargano.
Tomasso Ciampa also takes one final moment to get one over his former partner by coming out amongst the audience and waving the plucky Gargano goodbye. The reports are that the heel heat he was getting was something else.
There is still a chance that in the next set of tapings on 2 February 2018, Gargano is somehow reinstated, but for now, we have to assume that he is being called up to the main roster.
Author's take
Johnny Gargano's story with Tomasso Ciampa certainly isn't over, and I reckon we will see him win the NXT Title eventually, but it's going to be a long arduous journey to get there.
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