NXT: 5 Possible Opponents For Johnny Gargano

Adam Cole

Whether he receives a second one-on-one shot at Gargano or if he procures a spot in a multi-man match for the belt, Adam Cole getting another NXT Title opportunity feels like an inevitability.

Generally, a wrestler like Cole losing the way he did at NXT TakeOver: New York — tapping out twice to the Garga-No-Escape without controversy — disqualifies them from an immediate championship rematch, but the recent main roster call-ups depleted the cupboard of headliners, so a mini-feud between Gargano and Cole could fill some TV time while the NXT writers prepare the next set of main event heels.

They could even tie the rivalry into the burgeoning issues amongst the Undisputed Era members, which they have already sort of done.

However, the NXT writers would need to tread carefully if they choose to go that route. It’s one thing to have a hotter feud overshadow a top champion’s reign (see: the Gargano/Ciampa feud and how it affected Aleister Black’s run as NXT Champion); it happens sometimes.

But having a world champion play an ancillary role in a separate storyline defines down the performer and the prize they carry, making it seem as though the wrestler doesn’t possess the drawing power to carry their own programs.

Gargano can further stoke the flames of Undisputed Era’s dissension for a few more weeks. His pestering can even lead to another match with Cole on the weekly show. But he needs his own feud to cement his reign as champion.