6 Ups & 1 Downs From Last Night's WWE NXT (Jan 17)

4. Gargano Defies Vega

Johnny Gargano is WWE's best babyface. The ex-DIY man has followed the blueprint laid down by Daniel Bryan and Sami Zayn, and has surged since Tommaso Ciampa stuck a knife in his back, using expert-level selling, a tireless work ethic, and underdog spirit to become NXT's most beloved figure. He's a great opponent for any heel, and his impeccable booking continued last night.

It started backstage. Zelina Vega interrupted William Regal to tear into Gargano's championship credentials, claiming the "loser" had no chance of unseating Andrade 'Cien' Almas in Philadelphia. She challenged Johnny to defend his title shot against The Velveteen Dream, who confronted Gargano the previous week, with even Regal himself unable to quell Vega's disgust.

This drew a defiant Gargano to the ring, and his rebuttal was full of fire. "This is my time, my opportunity, and no one will stop me," he said, far beyond driven. 'Johnny Wrestling' then took Vega's challenge: he'll face Dream on next week's NXT, then promised to go all the way to Philadelphia, wrest the belt from Almas' clutches, and stand as the brand's undisputed top dog.

Great stuff all round from the number one contender, whose about as far removed from the main roster's wet blanket babyfaces as it gets.