NXT: 5 Possible Opponents For Johnny Gargano

Jaxson Ryker

As much as the Forgotten Sons are antithetical to the notion of exciting television, it’s clear that the NXT writers are positioning the faction’s de-facto leader Jaxson Ryker for something.

Since the nap-inducing group debuted last August, Ryker has been fed a steady diet of convincing singles wins and while the former Gunner’s push is still in its infancy, he could find himself in the NXT Title picture at some point this year.

While there are plenty of more interesting options on the roster in terms of character development and work-rate, Ryker is solid enough in the ring to at least get some consideration for a championship match on the weekly NXT show, if not a TakeOver event (which I wouldn’t recommend).

In many ways, Ryker fits the mold of a classic upper-midcard heel who bookers can occasionally move into the main event scene and pose a credible threat to the world champion before ultimately taking the loss.

Given the Forgotten Sons’ lukewarm-at-best presentation thus far, though, a position at the top of the card for Ryker seems unlikely. However, a quality showing against Gargano could change many fans’ perception of him and the rest of his crew.

It would be a big test for Gargano too. He’s penned several classic stories with workers who can match him move for move, but every title match isn’t going to be against the Adam Coles and the Tommaso Ciampas of the world.

Taking on the “top guy” mantle also requires you to raise the ceilings of those who aren’t as experienced or as skilled. Gargano is more than qualified enough to handle that part of the job, but a wrestler as bland as Ryker will definitely test the limits of the NXT Champ’s greatness.