In an exhilarating main event on “WWE SmackDown,” Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, collectively known as #DIY, demonstrated that lightning can indeed strike twice in the same arena. In a thrilling encounter, they captured the WWE Tag Team Championships from A-Town Down Under’s Austin Theory and Grayson Waller at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This iconic venue holds significant history for #DIY, as it was here that they first won the NXT Tag Team Championships during their illustrious run in WWE’s developmental brand. The arena also marked the site of Gargano’s triumphant return to WWE two years ago.
The match between #DIY and A-Town Down Under was a high-octane, fast-paced affair from the outset. As soon as the bell rang, #DIY took control, sending the heel team scrambling out of the ring before launching themselves over the top rope to take them down. The action remained intense following a commercial break, with Ciampa and Gargano maintaining the upper hand.
However, the tide turned as Austin Theory and Grayson Waller regrouped and isolated Gargano in their corner. They capitalized on their momentum, attempting to dominate the match. Theory, in a reckless move, tried to drive Gargano through the ring barricade, but Gargano deftly avoided the impact, sending Theory crashing into the barricade instead. Gargano seized the opportunity to hit a Destroyer on Waller on the floor, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Back in the ring, Gargano battled with Theory, attempting to make a crucial tag to Ciampa. But Waller, recovering just in time, pulled Ciampa off the apron, thwarting Gargano’s efforts. Undeterred, #DIY executed a Shatter Machine and unleashed a flurry of offense, but it wasn’t enough to secure the pinfall. The tension escalated as #DIY hit their signature Meeting In The Middle, with Gargano pinning Waller. However, Theory managed to get his partner’s foot under the bottom rope, preventing the victory.
The match’s climax saw Gargano locking Waller in the Gargano Escape, while Theory intervened to prevent his partner from tapping out. Simultaneously, Ciampa locked in the Sicilian Stretch on Theory. The dual submission holds created a dramatic and electrifying moment, culminating in Waller tapping out to Gargano. With this decisive victory, #DIY were crowned the new WWE Tag Team Champions, marking a monumental moment in their careers.
Stephen’s Insight
This victory for #DIY is not just a testament to their in-ring prowess but also a celebration of their storied journey in WWE. From their days in NXT to their current triumph on the main roster, Ciampa and Gargano have consistently showcased their exceptional chemistry and determination. The Scotiabank Arena, now a symbolic site of their success, serves as a reminder of their resilience and evolution as a tag team.
The storyline leading up to this match has been compelling, with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller experiencing internal strife and struggling to function cohesively as a team. This discord ultimately led to their downfall, highlighting the importance of unity and synergy in achieving success in the tag team division.
For fans of #DIY, this victory is a nostalgic nod to their earlier achievements and a promising indication of their future potential. The emotional resonance of seeing Gargano and Ciampa lift the WWE Tag Team Championships in the same arena where they first tasted gold in NXT is a powerful narrative that underscores the cyclical nature of wrestling careers.
As #DIY embark on their reign as WWE Tag Team Champions, the tag team division is poised for exciting developments. Their dynamic style and unwavering determination promise to bring thrilling matches and captivating storylines to the forefront of WWE programming.
