NXT TakeOver: Toronto is a little over two weeks away, and everyone is anticipating the rematch between NXT Champion Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano.
The two have been feuding for several months, with Gargano beating Cole at NXT TakeOver: New York to win the vacated NXT Championship. The leader of The Undisputed Era would get his revenge two months later, defeating Gargano at NXT TakeOver: XXV to finally capture the title that eluded him for so long.
Now Johnny Wrestling wants his rematch, and NXT General Manager William Regal announced that the two would compete in another two-out-of-three-falls match. However, this time things are going to be a little different.
On this week’s episode of NXT, Cole and Gargano were allowed to pick the first two stipulations. The former decided to go with a regular one-on-one wrestling match, while the latter chose a street fight. But if a third fall is needed, then Regal will pick the final stipulation.
The possibilities are endless, but for now, here are 5 ideas for the third stipulation in Cole vs. Gargano 3.
1. Handicap Match
Starting things off is a stipulation possibility that I think the champion could use to his advantage.
This makes perfect sense if you’re Cole; having every member of The Undisputed Era taking on Gargano in a 4-vs.-1 handicap match is an almost guaranteed way of securing a fall. While Johnny Wrestling never backs down from a challenge, I think that this one would be way more than he could handle.
It would be such a heelish way of picking up a win, but Cole has never been known for playing by the rules. He’ll find the easiest way possible, by hook or by crook, to get the leg up on his competition.
2. Submission Match
Now we move on to a stipulation that can quite possibly give the challenger the upper hand.
Gargano is well-versed in submissions and targeting a specific part of his opponent’s body. His finisher, the Garga-No Escape, is a crossfade hold that puts most of his competitors away. Cole focuses more on strikes, so this kind of match could put him at a huge disadvantage.
It’s not like he could just slap a headlock on Gargano and expect him to tap out. Unless he suddenly incorporates a signature submission hold into his repertoire, it would be very hard to see Cole overcome Gargano in this kind of situation.
3. Falls Count Anywhere Match
Then we move on to a stipulation that makes sense for a rivalry this intense.
Both men have proven that there is no love lost between them, and maybe just a ring might not be able to control them. Regal might realize that as well and let them tear each other apart throughout the entire arena.
While this one seems rather unlikely since a street fight is already guaranteed, it would still be entertaining to see them go from one extreme stipulation to another. Getting to watch them batter each other in the ring, on the stage, in the crowd, and wherever else they take the action would help drive the point home that the squared circle can’t contain this feud.
4. Steel Cage Match
Next, we have an NXT favourite: the Steel Cage match.
Both men have experience fighting within the confines of a steel cage; Gargano beat Black in one, while Cole and The Undisputed Era have won and lost a War Games match.
If Regal is worried about Strong, Fish, and O’Reilly interfering during the final fall, why not utilize the one stipulation that can keep them away from the action? Granted, it might not necessarily work, but it’s the thought that counts!
Regardless, it wouldn’t surprise many if they plan on locking both men in a cage for a fall. It’s a good standby, but maybe not the most creative choice they can come up with.
5. “I Quit” Match
Finally, we come to a stipulation that is quite an intriguing concept.
Imagine this: Cole and Gargano absolutely tear each other apart in the first two falls. Things start to get out of control, so Regal decides that the only way for this to end is to make one leave NXT.
Cole and Gargano have been rumoured to be possibly moving up to the main roster at some point, so having the final fall be an “I Quit” match actually makes sense. Whoever is forced to quit will just make their way to RAW or SmackDown afterwards.
If this were to happen, I think Gargano would be the one who ends up leaving. Taking the title off Cole and not giving him a decent run with it makes zero sense. Gargano has done basically everything he can do down in NXT, so maybe it’s time for him to move on to greener (or not so greener, depending on how you feel) pastures in WWE.
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