WWE NXT: Predicting the three stips for Adam Cole vs. Johnny Gargano

Fall 1: Standard Wrestling Match

Given the stipulation and the stakes, it’s safe to assume that Cole and Gargano will receive the bulk of the show time to tell their story. Starting the match off with a traditional wrestling match lends itself to the long-form match layouts fans have come to expect from a Gargano match.

If these two plan on delivering another 30-minute epic, then they will need to pace themselves, much like they did in their prior encounters. Cole and Gargano are savvy workers and realize that going all out in the opening bout risks burning the crowd out before they get to the second fall, let alone the third.

That doesn’t mean they won’t pack as much quality workrate as they can into the opening act. We’re sure to get some fun chain wrestling sequences and finisher teases that establishes both men as in-ring equals, even with them starting at half-speed.

From there, they could go one of two ways: they could end the opener with a leverage pin of some sort (preferably Gargano surprising Cole with a quick roll-up on an overconfident Cole) or they could have Cole bash Gargano with a weapon to draw the disqualification. Either way, a standard singles match allows Cole and Gargano to set the table for what’s to come later without giving away too much.