NXT TakeOver: Phoenix Ricochet v Johnny Gargano

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. At TakeOver: Phoenix, the fiery tension between NXT North American Champion Ricochet and Johnny Gargano will come to ignite the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

It all started when NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa laid the firewood, on the Dec. 26 edition of NXT, by suggesting that Johnny Wrestling go after the NXT North American Title currently held by The One and Only. Despite dismissing Ciampa’s meddling, Gargano didn’t balk at the idea once the reigning champion entertained the challenge. But things went from budding competition to full-bloom animosity when Gargano struck Ricochet with a thunderous superkick on the Jan. 9 edition of NXT, seemingly declaring that he wants all the smoke.

At TakeOver: Phoenix, these two NXT Superstars will put it all on the line when they tangle for the NXT North American Title. For Ricochet, who’s been hard at work slotting his coveted prize as the black-and-gold brand’s workhorse title, the plan is to walk out of TakeOver: Phoenix and remain the one and only NXT North American Champion. For Johnny Wrestling, it’s all about two things: wins and championships.