Johnny Gargano seizes opportunity, advances in Speed tourney

Johnny Wrestling is moving on after win over Angel Garza.

The tournament to crown the inaugural WWE Speed Champion is down to the final four following this week’s encounter between #DIY’s Johnny Gargano and Angel Garza of Legado Del Fantasma on WWE Speed.

Gargano came charging out of the gate, ducking a clothesline attempt by Garza. However, NXT’s first triple crown champion got dropped on his face while attempting a variation of a head-scissors. After a near-fall, Garza fired off a backbreaker for another two-count before rattling off a series of headbutts that rocked Gargano.

Undeterred, Gargano countered a potential powerbomb attempt with a Frankensteiner that sent Garza to the floor. Next, Gargano delivered a flying dive through the ropes. Though he connected with the blow, Gargano was limping after his feet hit the ropes or the apron as he was in mid-air.

Back inside the squared circle, a strike exchange broke out in the middle of the ring, with Gargano coming out on top with a spinning clothesline. But Garza caught Gargano’s superkick and answered with one of his own. As he climbed the second rope, Garza stopped to pose, which was his downfall.

After wasting precious moments, Garza launched himself into the air for a moonsault. However, Gargano moved out of the way and quickly capitalized on the mistake by delivering his One Final Beat DDT to score the pin with just under a minute remaining in the three-minute affair.

With Gargano’s victory, the semi-finals are set. Next week, Ricochet, who kicked off the eight-man tournament with a win over Dragon Lee, will meet Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh, who advanced after a last-minute strike during a sub-three-minute classic against Axiom.

As for Gargano, he’ll have a tough hill to climb in “Big” Bronson Reed, who proclaimed “Reed is Speed” after defeating Cedric Alexander decisively in the opening round. But following his win, Gargano had some words for the Australian behemoth.

Speed? I am speed,” said Gargano. “Bronson Reed, you may be big, but you ain’t Johnny Wrestling!”