WWE Legends heap massive praise on Johnny Gargano following NXT TakeOver

What’s the Story?

Well, it was the match many said had the potential to steal not only the show but the entire weekend - Johnny Gargano's shot at the NXT Championship against Andrade 'Cien' Almas.

Let's just say it didn't disappoint, and some WWE Legends have taken to Twitter to heap praise on Johnny Wrestling.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Gargano and Almas had an incredible match for the NXT Championship that, at several points, looked like it may swing in the favour of the former NXT Tag Team Champion. While Johnny Wrestling put in a valiant effort, the champion retained after working pretty heavily on Gargano's head. Gargano, however, won over the WWE Universe - not that they weren't already on his side and urging him on to victory.

He may be leaving without the gold, but @JohnnyGargano has @CandiceLeRae and the #NXTUniverse by his side. #NXTTakeOver #NXTChampionship pic.twitter.com/biObM3MFfo
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 28, 2018

With his wife - newly signed Candice LeRae - by his side, Gargano made his way up the ramp looking dejected before former his former teammate, Tomaso Ciampa, returned to, once again, close the show with an ambush on the challenger.

He hasn't forgotten...@ProjectCiampa #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/c0RGAJAH76
— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2018

The Heart of the Matter

Well, Gargano took to Twitter today to open up about a disappointing night where Gargano looked so close to winning his first NXT singles championship.

I gave EVERYTHING I had last night. It just wasn't in the stars..

My moment will come.. but first..
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) January 28, 2018

But while he may not have won the gold, Gargano seems to have won something you can't put a price on in WWE - the respect of some of the biggest stars in the history of WWE!

Just 1 dudes opinion but...You won something bigger than a Championship in my eyes last night @JohnnyGargano . #Congrats https://t.co/SlfqvrpenO
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) January 28, 2018

.....more than 1 dudes https://t.co/AJu6z5gox1
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 28, 2018

It wasn't just the two DX legends Gargano impressed, his peers - both NXT and main roster - seemed to appreciate the work he and Almas put in too, with WWE's latest acquisition leading the charge.

For years @JohnnyGargano has consistently put on some of the best matches I’ve ever seen. Last night was no exception. Gave me goosebumps, and made me want to step in that #NXT ring even more than ever!
— The One And Only! (@KingRicochet) January 28, 2018

So much respect for @JohnnyGargano and @AndradeCienWWE! Absolutely killed it at #NXTTakeOver: Philadelphia last night!
— No Way Jose (@WWENoWayJose) January 28, 2018

.@JohnnyGargano vs @AndradeCienWWE was absolutely amazing last night 👏👏👏 #NXTTakeOver
— Billie Kay (@BillieKayWWE) January 28, 2018

Told ya.... @JohnnyGargano and @AndradeCienWWE are 💰💰💰
— TEN 🙌🏻 (@WWEDillinger) January 28, 2018

The match even got some truly outstanding praise from one Dave Meltzer.

What’s Next?

Well, this inevitable grudge match between the former Tag Team Champions could take place at NXT Takeover: New Orleans on April 7, 2018 - the curtain jerker for WrestleMania weekend.

Ciampa and Gargano went face to face in the Cruiserweight Classic, but there's a whole more at stake now, with Ciampa even mocking Gargano on Twitter...

But first... pic.twitter.com/6R3cBTtRlr
— BLACKHEART (@ProjectCiampa) January 28, 2018

Author’s Take

It's always awesome to see a wrestler get praise from some legends of the game - but even more so when it's the one on the wrong end of the pinfall.

It's no secret that Gargano is massively talented and, along with a man taking the division by storm in Almas, he put on what could already be a match of the year contender!

It'll be interesting to see if Gargano gets another shot at the NXT Championship after what promises to be a monumental rivalry with Ciampa.