Top 5 Can't Miss Moments From NXT TakeOver: New York

#1. The Johnny Gargano Era Begins

Johnny Gargano makes his way to NXT TakeOver: New York wearing an Iron Man inspired light-up shirt

Johnny Gargano was always one of the best workers in the business. If you listened to his fans, they would attest, "Nobody could sell like Gargano. No one has more heart. No one makes you believe more." The former indie star wrestled in some of NXT's greatest matches and has been a staple of NXT TakeOver since his debut in 2015.

There has been one enormous downside to Gargano, however. He hasn't always been associated with winning the big one and has often come up short in the most crucial moments. His detractors would say, "He takes too many risks. He will never be a world champion." The NXT Championship always eluded Gargano, often slipping right through his fingertips. He always came close, but could never quite finish.

As tonight's match against Adam Cole developed, it looked like a typical Gargano match. Cole gave Gargano all that he could take but simply could not put Johnny Wrestling away. Savvy wrestling fans knew that Gargano's demise was imminent, that he would take one too many risks, and that Cole would eventually capitalize for the victory. In typical Gargano fashion, he would take a gruesome beating and then, as always, come up just short while making his opponent look like a million bucks in the process. That's just what Johnny Gargano always does, but not this time.

After each competitor scored a fall, Adam Cole's Undisputed Era stablemates made their way to the ring distracting the official and attacking Gargano. Despite the obvious advantage, Cole still couldn't put Gargano away and the small man with the big heart pulled something beastly from the depths of his soul. This time it was Cole who would come up just short, who would submit and have his dreams shattered. This time Gargano would leave as the NEW NXT Champion.

Gargano overcoming insurmountable odds is the story of his career. He overcame a plethora of superkicks, a bloody gash to his forehead, a brutal table spot, and a 4 on 1 advantage on his way to becoming NXT Champion. He overcame doubters, detractors, and unbelievers because that's what Johnny Gargano does.

As the match came to its inevitable conclusion, Gargano embraced his father, his mother, and his wife, fellow NXT Superstar Candice LeRae. Then his best friend and arch nemesis Tommaso Ciampa made his way to the entrance ramp. This time Ciampa didn't attack Gargano. Ciampa lovingly wrapped his arms around the man he has come to respect and admire. In the embrace of his closest friends and family, things had come full circle for the man known as Johnny Wrestling, who just told the greatest story of his pro wrestling career.

If you want a celebration done right, you've got to do it yourself.@ProjectCiampa @JohnnyGargano @CandiceLeRae #NXTTakeOver #NXTChampionship pic.twitter.com/1nSQiMG5Sp

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 6, 2019