Lacking his usual entrance music, Johnny Gargano made an unscheduled trip to the ring to address the NXT Universe.

After a backstage interaction between General Manager William Regal and Zelina Vega, in which Regal indicated he’d discourage Gargano from putting his upcoming NXT Title Match opportunity on the line against Velveteen Dream, Johnny Wrestling was fed up with being doubted.

A fired-up Gargano made clear that his NXT Championship opportunity was no fluke. The No. 1 Contender then passionately volunteered to put his match against Andrade “Cien” Almas at TakeOver: Philadelphia at stake in a showdown next week against Velveteen Dream. The charismatic Dream lost his spot in the No. 1 Contender’s tournament to Gargano because of an injury. Now, Velveteen Dream has a chance to prove it was his right to challenge the NXT Champion all along.

For the first time in a very long time, Johnny Gargano knows who he is: He’s “Johnny Freaking Wrestling,” and he’s the next NXT Champion.