Tonight, NXT held night one of two nights worth of TV tapings at Center Stage in Atlanta.

Night one of the NXT Atlanta tapings ended with Johnny Gargano hitting the ring and calling out Tommaso Ciampa for attacking him at the conclusion of NXT Takeover Philadelphia. Instead of Ciampa answering Gargano’s callout, Johnny Wrestling was greeted by NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas. Almas and Zelina Vega cut a promo on Gargano, which ended up with Candice LeRae attacking Vega. The Champion then asked what it would take for Gargano to leave NXT for good, and Gargano said it would take Almas putting his Title on the line.

NXT GM William Regal then made a singles match main event, featuring Gargano vs Almas in an NXT Title vs career match. Gargano lost the match, ending night one of the tapings on a major cliffhanger: Johnny Wrestling must leave NXT. The brand will return to tape more TV tomorrow night, so it remains to be seen how permanent Gargano’s NXT farewell will be, as tonight’s tapings still seemed to indicate he will feud with his former DIY partner Tommaso Ciampa. During tonight’s main event, Ciampa interfered, crutch in hand, and caused Gargano the match when he attacked him like he did at Takeover. Ciampa then waved goodbye to Johnny.

A wholesome photo after the heartbreak we ended upon. @JohnnyGargano & @CandiceLeRae #NXTAtlanta pic.twitter.com/iO9Goqi0UH

— Will Henderson (@willh94) February 2, 2018

This no-good SOB waving goodbye to Johnny. How dare you sir!!! pic.twitter.com/mqEpt59736

— Will Henderson (@willh94) February 2, 2018

“Per the stipulations of this match, Johnny Gargano must now leave NXT….” pic.twitter.com/id8p7VQguZ

— Will Henderson (@willh94) February 2, 2018

Here we go! @JohnnyGargano (w/@CandiceLeRae) vs @AndradeCienWWE (w/ @Zelina_VegaWWE). Is this Johnny’s final NXT match? pic.twitter.com/W1LWqpF1Ol

— Will Henderson (@willh94) February 2, 2018