By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt)

July 26, 2018

When things go right in the WWE...it just feels so damn good. 

Tommaso Ciampa, on last night’s episode of NXT (the best thing in wrestling) was crowned the NXT champion. In what we hoped would come to fruition, it appears as though the final match between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa will be for the NXT championship.

While this feud, between Gargano and Ciampa, could have continued without higher stakes (or as Otis Dozivic might crave, actual steak) we are getting the ultimate chance at redemption for the good ol boy, Johnny Wrestling. And the story coming along with it is as juicy as a rare cut of beef, as Gargano even helped his arch rival obtain the NXT title.

In a storyline that could have been almost as great, Gargano attempted to steal Ciampa’s chance at the NXT title, just as Ciampa had done to Gargano. What would have resulted in Ciampa refocusing his gaze on this bitter rivalry and getting revenge, was only the beginning of the amazing story told in the last five minutes of the match.

Gargano, with pinpoint accuracy, clocked Ciampa with a kick and began to smell blood. He wanted to force more punishment. He wanted to hurt his future opponents chances at the title and his pride. Unfortunately for Gargano, he himself lost focus on the endgame (keeping Ciampa away from that title) and allowed Ciampa to collect himself and try to get the upper hand.

The next spot was a game of tug of war between the two that Gargano would actually win...but in the ensuing yank of the title, smashed an unsuspecting Aleister Black (his first mention in this article, by the way) knocking him into a daze allowing Ciampa to hit his finisher. This was the hit that allowed Ciampa to obtain the title. The result that Gargano warned Aleister could not happen. The one thing I was so desperate to have happen! Happened.

The fan reaction was beautiful and wrestler’s reactions were even better. Black, ready to get revenge on both men. Gargano, confused and broken. Knowing his interference led to Ciampa’s victory. And of course, the greatest heel in business smirked, laughed, and celebrated his triumph over good.

Im sure in the ensuing weeks Aleister will be phased out and Gargano and Ciampa can put on the greatest end to a wrestling rivalry that, as WWE fans, we don’t get to see very often. This feud has changed both characters so much! I wish the feud could last forever, but now is the time to soak it all in and appreciate what an amazing job NXT, creative, Tommaso Ciampa, and Johnny Gargano are doing right now. 

Man...I’ve said it 4 times a year since NXT started...but I cannot wait for TakeOver!

Listen, Subscribe and Review the Podcast on SoundCloud and iTunes! Thank you!