10 Wrestlers Who Can Succeed Finn Balor As NXT's Icon
9. Johnny Gargano
A current Cruiserweight Classic participant, Johnny Gargano will face-off against current tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa in one of the tournament’s last first round matches next week. Three weeks later, the duo will team-up and challenge The Revival for the NXT Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn.
An 11-year indy veteran, Gargano has been working a part-time contract for NXT since June last year. Reports suggest that he recently signed a full-time deal that will see him work exclusively for WWE, and if that’s the case, big things are on the horizon for the Ohio native. Gargano and Ciampa are already well-known to the Full Sail faithful, and while his immediate future appears to be in the tag division, there’s huge potential in Johnny Gargano as an NXT singles wrestler.
The diminutive former Dragon Gate USA Champion’s small frame and varied skillset make him an ideal underdog, and a great candidate to work as current NXT Champion Samoa Joe’s long-term rival. While he’d likely need to add some bulk to strike big on the main roster, Gargano is an adaptable wrestler who excels in any environment, be it a big main event, midcard brawl, or a technical showcase.
With a foot already in the door, expect Gargano to make huge strides upon signing a permanent WWE deal.