5 Reasons why Johnny Gargano should be the next NXT Champion

#2 Gargano vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas Rubber Match

Almas and Gargano stole the show at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III

Having defeated Ohno for a spot in the #1 Contender Fatal 4-way match, Gargano will have an uphill battle against Black, Dain, and Sullivan. At the top of the said hill is the champion Andrade "Cien" Almas. It has been quite a run for Almas in NXT, and his hard work has materialized itself in the NXT Championship he carries so proudly on his shoulder.

Many were excited about the arrival of famed luchador La Sombra in NXT, but instead, Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza debuted as Andrade "Cien" Almas. Partying all night, and losing all the time, Almas was wasting away until he was paired with Zelina Vega.

The sharp-tongued Puerto Rican from Queens whipped Almas into shape and saved his career. Almas' first high profile match with Vega in his corner was against Gargano at NXT TakeOver Brooklyn III, and as JBL would say "Somebody call the NYPD because these two just stole the show!"

Almas and Gargano's criminal streak would continue as they went on to steal the show on NXT 415. At TakeOver Vega threw a DIY t-shirt into the ring. DIY being the tag team that consisted of Gargano and his best friend Tommaso Ciampa until Ciampa turned on Gargano (as many best friends in wrestling eventually do). Upon seeing the shirt in the ring Gargano froze, allowing Almas to blindside him for an underhanded victory.

In the rematch, Vega again paid dividends to Almas. As Gargano locked Almas in the Gargano-escape, Vega shed her jacket to reveal the DIY top she had been sporting underneath. The shirt caught the gaze of Gargano, and for a moment it seemed that the distraction would work until Gargano smiled and shook his head as he tightened his grip on Almas. Almas was able to break the submission, and when he did Vega jumped up on the ring apron yelling at Gargano to look at the shirt. The mind games would not work this time as Gargano yelled: "That means nothing to me anymore!"

Almas would still go on to win the match, but a third bout could be in the cards. Vega revitalized Almas' character, Gargano made Almas credible, and McIntyre dropped the belt to him making him the champion. Gargano has been just as vital to Almas meteoric rise as Vega has been, but give credit where it is due as Almas himself has been incredible in the ring.

If Gargano wins the fatal 4-way it would establish a rubber match between him and Almas, and should he win then Almas' rematch clause would ensure a fourth match, and who doesn't want to see more of Gargano-Almas?