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WWE Cruiserweight Classic 2016 Review: Results, Analysis and Grades for August 3; Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

By Tim Sherry

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Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa

Result: Johnny Gargano wins via pinfall.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

This bout was the only one with personal implications as the tag team of Gargano and Ciampa interviewed before the match. The two attempted to be professional but Ciampa’s confrontational side came out very quickly,  and it manifested itself in the ring as Ciampa landed a vicious elbow to start things off.

Ciampa continued the assault, knocking his tag partner to the outside and then employed some vicious chops and then an even more brutal running knee.  But Gargano fought back, landing a gorgeous springboard DDT, a sit out power bomb, and then a suicide dive to the outside.

After a brutal counter knee from Ciampa yielded yet another two count, Gargano countered with a beautiful enzugiri.  Exhausted, both competitors met up on the ring apron to exchange chops.

Just as Gargano began to look good,  Ciampa landed potentially the move of the tournament, spiking his tag team partner on the ring apron in a modified Death Valley Driver.  It was all for not however, as Gargano kicked out of the subsequent pin.  Ciampa then landed a ruthless clothesline and then transitioned into his power bomb lung blower finisher which Gargano shockingly kicked out of as well.  The Full Sail crowd was hot for this match and Bryan and Ranallo were stunned by the physicality.  And just as the match began to border on brilliance, Gargano reached down deep and pinned his tag partner with a beautiful pinning combo.

Initially, Ciampa didn’t accept defeat but came back to congratulate his teammate.

Tim’s Note:  The best match of the first round may very well have been its last.  The NXT tag team No. 1 contenders went to war in an insanely physical battle.  The booking of both guys was perfect here.  They are both clearly guys who are destined for bigger things in the WWE so making them both look strong was smart.  Great match, great psychology, and a great first round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic.

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