Johnny Gargano OUT Of NXT TakeOver: WarGames With Neck Injury

The much-anticipated Johnny Gargano vs. Finn Balor match is OFF.

Johnny Gargano
WWE

Bad news for anyone who was looking forward to the prospect of Johnny Gargano wrestling Finn Balor at NXT TakeOver: WarGames on 23 November: 'Johnny Wrestling' has been ruled out of the event after suffering a neck injury.

Ryan Satin broke the news on last night's episode of WWE Backstage, stating that Gargano was hurt when Balor turned heel on him a few weeks ago, with Finn using an elevated 1916 to drive his head into the steel entrance ramp.

WWE.com has released its own writeup on the situation. The report notes that while Gargano vs. Balor wasn't officially confirmed, it was "destined" to go down, and promised to provide more information on Johnny's medical situation as it becomes available.

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So, that's pretty awful.

That this story is breaking through an official WWE outlet means it could be a work, of course, and we could learn more on the next two weeks of NXT television, but it's still a huge disappointment. For many, Balor vs. Gargano was the most hotly-anticipated bout on the entire WarGames card. Now, it appears it's gone.

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It remains to be seen whether or not WWE will seek a replacement opponent for Finn.

 
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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.