On the first episode after WrestleMania, NXT hosted the final match in the feud between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, a feud that has lasted for the past several years. In the shocking closing moments, the NXT universe saw Candice LeRae hit a low blow on Ciampa, securing the victory for her husband Gargano and both becoming heels in the process. Let's look at how this moment was delivered, what the potential fallout could be, and predict where NXT might take the couple moving forward.
The long time coming final showdown between Gargano and Ciampa has suffered setback after setback. It seemed like we were set to see this match at NXT Takeover New York last year only to be delayed a year due to Ciampa's neck surgery. Once the match was back on track for this year's NXT Takeover Tampa, disaster struck again when all shows were canceled or adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rather than wait to build the match up again, the match was moved to NXT TV and given a more cinematic style to the ring direction. There was no commentary, just an all-out brawl between the two in an empty warehouse that had nothing but a ring and lots of toys scattered around for the two to use.
After nearly forty minutes of complete chaos and destruction, Candice LeRae came down to the ring to tell Ciampa that because of this feud, she hates who her husband has become. After Gargano pleadingly reached out to his wife for support, she proceeded to give him a low blow, seemingly costing Gargano the match. Then the swerve came when it seemed like Ciampa was going to take the high road and forgive Gargano, he suffered a similar low blow from LeRae. At this moment, Gargano then turned to all smiles and revealed to Ciampa that he was wearing a protective cup, and the entire moment was a rouse to get the best of Ciampa.
NXT needs to capitalize on the heel pairing of Gargano and LeRae and have them start to run rough shot through both the men's and women's divisions. The women's division can use the huge heel turn from LeRae to keep the members of the women's roster who will not be tied up with Charlotte Flair busy. This moment for LeRae came at the best time to assure that the women's division does not collapse under the weight of Flair being on top.
Likewise, Gargano can do the same with the men's division to assure there is a focus for the audience as a lot of the top stars like Cole, Dream and Riddle could be headed to the main roster at any time. Having a good heel like Gargano assures that the fans always have someone they want to watch get beaten up.
The best scenario is to keep the pair united and let them run through both the men's and women's divisions together. Gargano and LeRae can make sure to help the other out during all their matches. Nothing will get more heat then if Gargano is helping LeRae against the women and vice versa. They will come across like scum, and the fans will eat it up.
The most exciting prospect of this entire storyline came at the end of the match between Ciampa and Gargano. After LeRae assured the victory for her husband, the two walked out of the warehouse wearing their best evil smiles. But as they walked to their car, there was someone else there in the parking lot. It was clear that someone was spying on the couple as they made their exit.
After HHH had booked the final match against Ciampa and Gargano, fans saw a video package that was clearly about the impending debut of Killer Kross. After NXT this week, internet sleuths took the footage of the mystery car picked it apart, seemingly discovering that it was Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux spying on Gargano and LeRae. All signs point to his being the next big feud coming to NXT.
The best storytelling in professional wrestling is when you can satisfyingly end one amazing storyline and transition into another potentially great feud. NXT seems to have done this on TV this week as we got the closure and final chapter between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. Not only did we get closure to this rivalry, but NXT also rose Candice LeRae's stock by turning her heel and placing newcomers Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux front and center set to go to war with the best NXT has to offer.