3) “Who should win between Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano, and why?”
MANGO: This depends on what their plans are for the NXT Championship match in Tampa. Without knowing that information, though, I’d lean more toward Balor. He could win in a way that keeps Gargano looking strong, but doesn’t derail Balor’s momentum.
BALAZ: Balor. Gargano has a great story here, but returning to NXT, the Prinxe needs to establish that he’s the cream of the crop, no questions asked.
MITCHELL: In relation to how I answered question 2, I feel it should be Finn Balor. As great as Johnny Wrestling is and how strongly fans feel about him, if Finn is to challenge for a singles championship of any kind, he needs to keep winning.
ABSLER: I believe Finn Balor should win because he has been booked so strongly. He needs a win, and Gargano has proven he is extremely resilient and a loss won’t ruin his reputation or credibility with the fans. Balor is still riding the momentum of his recent return to NXT and Balor and Gargano promise to put on an in-ring clinic during this match.
JAY: Balor needs the win more. He took a big chance moving back to NXT from the main roster. If he loses, his return looks like a sad demotion.
BONNETTE: Balor, so he can stay in line to challenge whoever beats Cole assuming that happens soon.
SCAFIDE: Balor doesn’t need this win as much as Gargano does, but this smells of a Prince win. This is one of those matchups that has so much potential, yet I feel will be a stinker. I just can’t buy into Gargano when he speaks on the mic; am I the only one? I honestly don’t see myself watching this matchup very much (I could be in a minority on that, but whatever), and so I don’t care who wins. Who should win? Gargano.
STAPLE: I don’t think either man would be hurt a lot with a loss, but to me, I think Balor could use a victory more, just to establish himself as the enforcer coming back to NXT. I’m still processing Balor being back for the black and yellow, and I think his rampage will continue.
COOK: Gargano is just coming back from injury and is working his way back into things. A loss here wouldn’t hurt him at all. A loss for Finn Balor would hurt his momentum and possibly send him on the road to being Just Another Guy in NXT, which is the last thing that Finn needs to be right now. I think Finn gets the win, and he does it in diabolical fashion that moves him into title contention and also keeps the issue between he & Gargano open. I also think both men rise to the occasion and this is either Match of the Night or very close to it.
JEANNINE: Gargano. Gargano needs a big win to show he is a top player within NXT.
DEMARCO: How’s this for an answer: it doesn’t matter. At least it doesn’t matter to me. What I want to see is where each guy goes next. From there, THAT is how my winner is chosen. I want to see a great story/program to develop for both men. Do we get a Gargano win followed by the first ever heel appearance of Demon Balor? Or does a win parlay into more for The Prince? Personally, I say give it to Gargano, and have Balor bring out the Demon for a rematch.
