Finn Bálor Defeats Johnny Gargano In Hard-Fought Match at NXT TakeOver: Portland
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At NXT TakeOver: Portland, Johnny Gargano and Finn Bálor continued their heated rivalry when they finally collided in the ring. Early on, Bálor taunted when he did push-ups while he had Gargano locked in a head-scissors. Both men were evenly matched early but Gragno caught Bálor with a kick to the head. Bálor briefly took control with some stiff strikes but Gargano fired right back. Gargano speared Bálor on the apron but Bálor hit a Sling Blade on the apron. Gargano targeted Bálor’s arm but he hit a Dragon Screw into the ropes. Bálor brutally stomped Gargano’s leg several times.
Don't miss, now.@FinnBalor @JohnnyGargano #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/2lAnAiDnnd
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 17, 2020
Gargano escaped a Death Lock and rocked Bálor with a kick to the head. Gargano countered a 1916 on the floor and hit a rolling senton off the apron. A slingshot spear earned Gargano a near fall. Gargano floored Bálor with a superkick. Bálor countered a springboard spear but Gargano dodged a diving double stomp and hit a Thunderstruck DDT for a near fall.
#JohnnyTakeOver is on a roll! @JohnnyGargano #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/azahMTdnbc
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 17, 2020
Gargano floored Bálor with another superkick but Bálor rocked him with a running dropkick. Gargano countered the Coup de Grâce and locked in the Gargano Escape but Bálor reached the ropes. Bálor suplexed Gargano onto a broadcast table. Bálor dropkicked Gargano off the table into the barricade. Bálor hit the Coup de Grâce and planted Gargano with the 1916 for the win.