Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa’s battles have rarely been contained by the ring, but that won’t be a concern at NXT TakeOver: Chicago — the site of #DIY’s unforgettable implosion — when the two bitter rivals square off in a Chicago Street Fight. 

The former best friends have remained at each other’s throats since Johnny Wrestling defeated the psychotic Blackheart at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans in a classic, brutal Unsanctioned Match. Ciampa, who refused to accept the loss, savagely attacked Gargano weeks later, landing his nemesis in a medical facility and a neck brace. 

From there, the self-ordained “Tommy Sports-Entertainment” created more grief for Gargano and his friends and family, most notably Johnny’s wife, Candice LeRae. Ciampa taunted LeRae in the aftermath of his heinous attack, and she even got caught in the crossfire when Gargano returned from his career-threatening injury to confront Ciampa (against LeRae’s wishes) when Ciampa sent Johnny Wrestling flying off the ring apron and into his wife. 

LeRae doesn’t support the idea of Gargano competing in the Chicago Street Fight and continuing his war with Ciampa. When Gargano received the match contract, LeRae flatly told her husband that she is “done with this,” adding that the rivalry with Ciampa has turned Gargano into everything he despises.

What ramifications will Johnny Wrestling’s decision have on his career and his personal life? What type of mayhem is in store when Gargano and Ciampa collide in a lawless Chicago Street Fight in the same city that Ciampa betrayed Gargano one year ago? Perhaps most important of all, will Gargano still believe it was all worth it when the dust settles in Chicago?