Johnny Gargano unloads with a flurry of vicious strikes on Andrade "Cien" Almas at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III: Courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

Brooklyn, N.Y. — The new-and-improved Andrade “Cien” Almas put a damper on what was supposed to be the revival of Johnny Wrestling, after an assist from Zelina Vega put the heralded luchador over the top.

This was an important bout for both Almas and Gargano, as both Superstars were counting on TakeOver: Brooklyn III to transform their past misfortunes into newfound success. However, it was Almas who walked out of Brooklyn with a much-needed boost of momentum, while Gargano is left contemplating his next move.

Almas and Gargano showed why they are two of the most heralded in-ring technicians in the world during the early goings of this contest as they put on a wrestling clinic. The mat-wrestling exhibition quickly turned into a chop-off with both competitors channeling their inner Ric Flair by delivering vicious chops across the chest.

Gargano’s trademark energized attack that was so popular during his #DIY days was on full display in his singles TakeOver debut. But, for every Gargano kick or dive through the ropes, Almas responded with his own incredible arsenal of high-impact maneuvers.

Almas appeared to have victory on numerous occasions, only to have the resilient Gargano kick out at the count of two. Johnny Wrestling fought back, at one-point rallying behind the roar of the Brooklyn crowd.

Gargano seemed primed for victory when Vega suddenly threw a #DIY T-shirt into his arms. As Gargano looked confused at the white-and-blue garment, Almas pounced with a dropkick, followed by his trademark hammerlock DDT for the win.

The loss is a tough blow for Gargano, who needed this to be a distraction of sorts from the wounds suffered at the hands of Tommaso Ciampa at TakeOver: Chicago, only to have it become a painful reminder.

As for Almas, he is quickly living up to the hype that followed him to NXT thanks to the guidance from his new business manager Zelina Vega. With the fiery Vega in his corner, it seems the sky’s the limit for Almas.