When I read the spoilers for the recent NXT tapings in Atlanta, one match stood out. Current champion Andrade "Cien" Almas needed illegal help from a still-injured Tomasso Ciampa to screw Johnny Gargano not only out of the NXT title, but also his roster spot.
THAT IS WRONG AS WRONG CAN BE, AND CANNOT BE ALLOWED!
The stipulation, which Gargano agreed to, was that if he lost, he'd be forced to leave NXT, and likely be called to the main roster after Wrestlemania. Wife Candice LeRae just arrived on the NXT roster, and now must deal with Almas' valet, Zelina Vega (Thea Trinidad), whom she chased out of the arena, setting up Ciampa to be the difference maker to help Almas with another undeserving title defense.
Recall that Ciampa turned on Gargano after they'd lost the tag titles, but was injured in the process. Why kick Gargano further down the curb (off the roster) when there's still a payoff to that angle? It makes no sense.
No, the payoff will come in New Orleans at the next Takeover. Ciampa will be ready to go by then, and will virtually unlock the door himself, allowing Gargano back in, but this is where we change the story.
At the next set of tapings, Candice petitions GM William Regal for her husband's reinstatement, and is turned down. She then points out the standing issue with Ciampa, and that Ciampa is responsible for Gargano losing his roster spot, helping Almas win the match. "Johnny Wrestling" is not only owed a rematch vs. Almas for the title, but he has unfinished business with Ciampa.
We would then find out that Vega struck a deal with Ciampa, who wasn't 100% ready to return, and didn't want a match with Gargano. Right before Takeover: New Orleans, Regal makes the match: Ciampa vs. Gargano vs. Almas in a triple threat elimination match for the title. However, to ensure a fair match, Vega is banned from ringside, and she'll face Candice on the card as well. If Vega interferes in any way, Almas loses the title, and Vega would be banished from NXT as punishment for her many sins.
The way I see it, "El Idolo" has no credibility as champion. He's another Miz, relying too heavily on outside help to keep his title. We've got too many cowards on the heel side right now, and that needs to change.
The happy ending here is Gargano either winning the title, or leaving with his head held high, bound for the main roster (likely Smackdown or 205 Live). As long as Almas & Vega finally get their comeuppance once and for all.
