NXT Takeover: New York recap — Be still, our Rebel Hearts

Johnny Gargano defeats Adam Cole in a two out of three falls match to become NXT Champion

The main event of Takeover: New York — Johnny Gargano taking on Adam Cole for the vacant NXT Championship in a two out of three falls contest — was just absolutely off the charts when it comes to compelling, entertaining drama. It was the perfect way to wrap up what many are calling the best NXT Takeover of all time. The two brought the best they had and left everything in the ring. It was their first time these two have met in an NXT ring and they didn’t disappoint. The roar of the crowd at the match’s end serves as prime evidence.

Cole won the first fall with the Last Shot, but Gargano took the second by submission via the Gargano Escape. The third fall was preceded by all-out chaos, with numerous breathtaking false finishes and interference from the rest of Cole’s Undisputed Era. But at the end of the match, Cole once again tapped out to the Gargano Escape. Johnny Takeover is now Johnny Champion.

Gargano, who is now the first NXT Triple Crown winner, celebrated with his wife Candice LeRae in the ring before going out to ringside and celebrating with members of their family. At the end of the show on the stage, Tommaso Ciampa emerged from the backstage area in a neck brace and embraced the new champion (and former blood brother and blood rival). It was a truly emotional moment, one that will be remembered for years to come.

Clearly, Gargano is staying in NXT for a while, but what’s next for Cole and the rest of the Undisputed Era? Well, Cole promised earlier this year that by the year’s end the entire stable would be draped in gold. This may be just the beginning of Cole’s feud with the new champion.

What did you think of NXT Takeover? Do you think any other show this weekend has a chance to top it? What was your favorite match? Sound off in the comments below!