Johnny Gargano Earns NXT North American Title Shot at Stand & Deliver
Johnny Gargano is set to challenge Myles Borne for the NXT North American Championship at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 4th, following a dramatic victory in a Gauntlet Eliminator match on the March 24th episode of NXT. The return of “Johnny Wrestling” adds a significant match to the Stand & Deliver card and marks a pivotal moment in his storyline following a period of uncertainty.
Gargano’s Road to Stand & Deliver
The Gauntlet Eliminator match, held on the March 24th edition of NXT on The CW, featured a series of competitors vying for the opportunity to face Borne. The match began with Shiloh Hill and Jackson Drake, followed by Charlie Dempsey and Dion Lennox. Candice LeRae appeared to introduce her husband, Johnny Gargano, as a surprise entrant.
LeRae’s motivation stemmed from a desire to facilitate Gargano regain his confidence after struggling on WWE television since Tommaso Ciampa’s departure. Fightful reports that Gargano initially appeared hesitant, mirroring his recent on-screen demeanor. He was quickly attacked by Jackson Drake.
Further chaos ensued when O.T.M. (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price) interfered, eliminating Dion Lennox. Shiloh Hill then eliminated both Drake and Dempsey. Following Dempsey’s elimination, Birthright (Uriah Connors, Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo & Charlie Dempsey) attacked Hill, leaving him vulnerable. In a surprising turn of events, LeRae physically pushed Gargano onto Hill for the pin, securing the victory.
Updated Stand & Deliver Card
With Gargano’s win, the NXT Stand & Deliver card now includes the following confirmed matches: WWE.com
- NXT Tag Team Championship: Vanity Project (Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes) (c) vs. TBD
- Sol Ruca vs. ZARIA
- NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne (c) vs. Johnny Gargano (w/ Candice LeRae)
Looking Ahead
Johnny Gargano’s journey back to contention has been unconventional, relying heavily on the support and intervention of Candice LeRae. The match against Myles Borne at Stand & Deliver promises to be a compelling contest, as Gargano aims to recapture championship glory in NXT. The event, taking place at The Factory at the District in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, April 4, 2026, is shaping up to be a significant night for NXT.