Top 5 Performers of WWE NXT 2018

Modified Feb 22, 2019 03:14 GMT

NXT had another brilliant year, bringing in new talent after others were called up to the Main Roster

# 1 Johnny Gargano (12 Points)

2018 was a year of "close but no cigar" for Johnny Gargano. Gargano started the year challenging Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the NXT Championships, before the return of his former tag team partner in Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano and Ciampa would trade wins in hard-hitting extreme contests throughout their months' long feud. After Gargano cost Aleister Black his NXT title against Ciampa, their feud escalated to be for the title.

Cody has no chance against John Cena? Details HERE

In the final months of the year, Gargano had two great contests against Aleister Black, the first at Takeover: War Games 2 and the second a steel cage match on the last NXT episode of the year. Gargano also finished the year potentially reuniting with his former Tag Team partner in Tommaso Ciampa after the two hit their Tag Team finisher "Meet in the Middle" on Aleister Black to close out NXT for the year.

A highlight of 2018: Defeating Aleister Black in a Cage Match on NXT

Johnny Gargano had a lot of nearly moments this year as previously stated, he constantly failed to achieve his dream of being the NXT champion, despite having several opportunities for the belt. He also lost the feud to Tommaso Ciampa, despite winning their unsanctioned bout at Takeover: New Orleans. As well as his devastating loss to Aleister Black at Takeover: War Games 2. However, the year ended on a high note for Gargano, as he picked up the victory against Aleister Black in a cage match on the last NXT episode of the year.

In a rough year for Johnny Gargano, the win left him finishing the year with a heap of momentum behind him heading into 2019

Edited by Israel Lutete