The blow was taken better than most would have guessed, but Gladio had always been their Shield in combat and he took the title well. His head snapped to the side - it was going to be a hell of a bruise at some point - but he didn't release his grip. Instead, he only growled, a low, dark sound that was anything but pleased at the sudden pain.

His grip on Ignis' shirt allowed for a better grip on his non-dagger arm (not what Gladio would have done in his right mind, for if you can control their weapon you control them), then worked to pull Ignis to the ground.