#6 Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas
Johnny Gargano started 2018 as the #1 contender to the NXT title after a string of big, emotional losses, including twice to the then-champion, Andrade "Cien" Almas. The champion's manager wasn't startled. In an echo of things that were and things that were still to come, she called Gargano a "broken man."
These doubts lingered over Gargano's head throughout the rivalry, showing themselves in an all-time classic in Philadelphia and another great match on NXT TV in February. Gargano gambled that he could beat Almas for the title on condition that he would leave NXT if he lost, and lose he did, ending the feud.
Corey Graves deleted his Tweet! More details HERE.
For Gargano, it was just the preview of another one, because on the verge of success, Tommaso Ciampa cost him.
Gargano seemed to prove himself over Almas even without winning the title. Now he would need to go up against his greatest enemy.