Johnny Gargano has earned a shot at the NXT North American Championship at NXT Takeover, as announced by NXT General Manager William Regal. Gargano will face current champion Damian Priest in what is only his second title defence.
Damian Priest gained NXT North American Championship for the first time at NXT TakeOver XXX, defeating Bronson Reed, Cameron Grimes, Velveteen Dream and Johnny Gargano in a ladder match. After successfully defending his title for the first time in a gruelling battle with Timothy Thatcher on NXT TV, Priest is going into TakeOver with a big wave of momentum.
One of @WWENXT’s rising stars vs. arguably the most consistent performer on the black and gold brand.
In his first #NXTTakeOver defense, @ArcherOfInfamy will defend the #WWENXT North American Title against @JohnnyGargano. pic.twitter.com/jfD0n5A9dU— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) September 23, 2020
Johnny Gargano will be after revenge since being denied a second North American Title reign at the hands of Priest. Gargano had the title in his grasp when he was knocked from a ladder by Priest in the closing moments of the North American Title ladder match at TakeOver XXX. The former champion is still yet to wrestle since losing out in the 60-minute Iron Man match for the NXT Championship on NXT Super Tuesday.
WWE posted earlier today:
“Gargano has been vocal about his and his wife Candice LeRae’s plans to bring gold back to the Gargano household. Priest, on the other hand, is fresh off his first successful title defense after a grueling victory over Timothy Thatcher. The first-time champion captured the title in a jaw-dropping NXT North American Title Ladder Match at NXT TakeOver XXX. In the critical moment of that match, Priest and Gargano found themselves atop the ladder. Gargano seemed destined for gold as he unhooked the title, but Priest held firm and knocked Johnny Wrestling from the ladder to secure the victory.”
With the event only being announced on September 16 we are now starting to see something resembling a match card. Matches announced for the event include a ‘Gauntlet Eliminator’ with the winner facing Adam Cole for the NXT Championship. A Battle Royal for a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship has also been announced.
NXT TakeOver takes place on October 4 live on the WWE Network.
Stay tuned to Inside The Ropes for more NXT TakeOver announcements.