WARNING: The following contains spoilers for NXT TakeOver: Portland.

WWE superstars often use pay-per-views and other special events to express themselves with special or otherwise offbeat ring gear. NXT TakeOver: Portland at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon was certainly no exception.

While there weren't as many comic book/pop culture-inspired outfits as there were at the Royal Rumble PPV back in January, one Johnny Gargano was sure to continue his habit of using his ring gear to pay tribute to his favorite superheroes (and supervillains). The man also known as Johnny Wrestling turned up for his singles match against Finn Bálor sporting his trademark trunks, boots and vest combo, which had been adorned to resemble the symbiotic Marvel Comics villain Carnage.

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Gargano's TakeOver: Portland ring gear -- designed by comic artist Adam Riches -- featured Carnage's trademark red and black aesthetic. Across the chest, a design clearly modeled after the supervillain's eyes and sharp teeth could be seen mimicking the wrestler's winking face logo. A similar design was seen back during TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 in August of 2018, when Gargano used his ring gear to homage Carnage's "father," Venom. Johnny Wrestling has worn several Marvel-inspired version of his ring gear since, including outfits based on Iron Man, Captain Marvel and Wolverine.

Ultimately, however, Gargano was unsuccessful in his bid to defeat Bálor -- a man who, interestingly enough, has also paid homage to both Carnage and Venom in the form of face and body paint over the years (specifically during the Irish-born wrestler's pre-WWE days wrestling as Prince Devitt). After a nearly 30-minute bout, Bálor defeated Gargano by pinfall.

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That being said, while Gargano was the only real superstar of the night to sport comic book-inspired ring gear, he certainly wasn't the only one to step up his outfit game for TakeOver: Portland. Knoxville-born performer Bianca Belair took the opportunity to use her gear to celebrate Black History Month, which is recognized during February of each year.

Belair, who challenged Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women's Championship, sported purple ring gear reading "Black History in the Making." During her entrance, she also wore a cape with that very same message printed boldly across the back, as well as accessories inspired by African tradition.

Like Gargano, however, Belair was ultimately not able to come out on top as far as the match itself was concerned. After a 13 and a half minute match, Ripley pinned the EST of NXT to retain her championship. Belair had earned her shot at Ripley's belt after winning a massive women's battle royal on an episode of NXT back in January.

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