10 Most Incredible Wrestling Moments Of 2019 (So Far)
5. Gargano's Moment Finally Comes
Johnny Gargano grafted for years to become NXT Champion.
Having made his WWE debut in the 2015 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, the former indie standout trod a long, gruelling road to the top, through #DIY's outstanding run as developmental tag team doyens and the eventual split from Tommaso Ciampa, before injury struck his blood-rival down. His singles push commenced thereafter. 'Johnny Wrestling' set his sights on Andrade Almas' black-and-gold belt and though he fell at TakeOver: Philadelphia, the ultimate glory remained in his crosshairs.
Gargano's focus shifted when Ciampa returned to make his life a living hell. This peaked with Tommaso winning 'Goldie' before Johnny, embarking on an awesome run himself, though a serious neck injury prevented Gargano's ultimate victory over 'The World's Greatest Sports Entertainer.' Pinning Ciampa at the apex of their long-running storyline would have been the outstanding moment.
Regardless, Johnny's finest hour still came at TakeOver: New York. He and Adam Cole did battle in an acclaimed 2-out-of-3 falls bout, and finally, at the sixth time of asking, the night belonged to Gargano. 'Johnny Wrestling' became 'Johnny Champion.' NXT has rarely seen such catharsis.