WWE: Ranking The Top 10 NXT Superstars of 2018

2. Johnny Gargano

You have to understand that the division between the first and second spot in this here top 10 is a purely academic exercise. The reality is, Gargano is every bit the NXT MVP of the year as his esteemed colleague.

It’s incredible how seamless Gargano’s transition from beloved babyface to arrogant, deluded heel has been: a completely organic degeneration from beleagured good guy to bitter, twisted and obsessed, offset against Ciampa’s own brand of gleeful evil.

Gargano has always delivered in-ring, whether it was during the Cruiserweight Classic, his time as one half of DIY, or his early days flying solo – his feud with Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas earlier in the year was particularly memorable.

But with high stakes and ever higher emotions, Gargano has been given the opportunity to show the full range of his repertoire, and he has never yet disappointed. His gradual degeneration over the months has been a work of genius – the slowly-changing mannerisms and affectations, telegraphing his personality shift little by little until the true, monstrous nature emerged.

It’s a testament to Gargano’s ability that his transition has been completely believable. Such an extreme personality shift – a full 360, in fact – in such a short space of time would be a tall order for most, and even moreso for universally adored Johnny Wrestling, NXT’s truest and most beloved babyface since Sami Zayn.

And yet here we are at the end of 2018, with the possibility of a ‘Dark DIY’ reunion staring us in the face, and it all feels so right. It makes perfect sense for Johnny Delusional to join forces with the devil himself, and yet only a few months ago we were collectively baying for Gargano to spill Ciampa’s blood. It has been a hell of a ride, and Gargano has played it perfectly from the very first.