A few weeks ago it was revealed Tommaso Ciampa had to undergo neck surgery, so he was forced to vacate the NXT Championship.
Adam Cole earned the right to face Johnny Gargano for the vacant title at NXT TakeOver: New York, and the two Superstars clashed in a 2 out of 3 falls match.
Cole picked up the first fall, and Gargano later made him tap out to even the score.
Gargano made Cole tap out again, but the referee was distracted by Roderick Strong, so the ref didn’t see it. Gargano then accidentally pushed the referee off the apron, and The Undisputed Era interfered.
They attacked Gargano then placed Cole on him, and the ref went to count the pin, but Gargano kicked out at two. Gargano continued to battle Cole and The Undisputed Era at the ringside area.
Cole and Gargano got back in the ring, and in the end Gargano made Cole tap out to win the NXT Title for the first time in his career.
After the match Candace LeRae came out to celebrate with Johnny, and then he celebrated in the audience with his family.
As Gargano made his way to the top of the ramp, Tommaso Ciampa came out in a neckbrace and congratulated him.
#JohnnyChampion is back. (-_•)@JohnnyGargano #NXTTakeOver #NXTChampionship pic.twitter.com/eJDVKORFFE
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 6, 2019
