Johnny Gargano has tapped Austin Theory as his protégé, using him to help win and regain the NXT North American Title. Now, can they win the Dusty Cup together?

The Way will take on two foes who have given Gargano trouble in recent months in Kushida & Leon Ruff in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First-Round Match on NXT.

Ruff stunned Gargano last fall to become North American Champion before later losing the title back to Johnny Wrestling in a Triple Threat Match, thanks in large part to Theory.

Meanwhile, Kushida owns a recent victory over Gargano, pinning him in a Mixed Tag Team Match alongside Shotzi Blackheart against Gargano & Candice LeRae. And he may have his eyes on more than just the Dusty Cup if last week’s NXT was any indication. NXT’s resident Time Splitter evened the numbers game for Dexter Lumis against Gargano and Theory, forcing Johnny Wrestling to tap to the Hoverboard Lock before grabbing Gargano’s title and throwing it back in his lap.

Do Kushida & Ruff have Gargano’s number? Or will Gargano & Theory find The Way to victory?