The world of NXT may soon have to bid farewell to Johnny Gargano because his WWE contract reportedly expires this week, though his future remains unclear.
Gargano, often viewed as the face of NXT, closed out the December 7 episode of WWE NXT 2.0 with tears in his eyes while “Johnny Wrestling” chants filled the Capitol Wrestling Center. “Please don’t go” chants surrounded him while he said he didn’t plan anything because he wanted to enjoy the moment with the fans.
“Johnny Wrestling” credited William Regal and particularly the fans for getting him into NXT because in 2015 , he was told he’d never make it in WWE. Gargano noted he has always battled confidence issues, and he still struggles with them. He said that NXT is indeed his second family before he listed various coaches and officials in the back.
Gargano also made it clear that change is necessary sometimes, as you will never fail if you bet on himself. The former NXT Champion stated doesn’t know his immediate future, but he knows in February he’s going to be start his most important job in his life: being a dad. Shortly thereafter, Grayson Waller attacked Gargano from behind. The cocky young star put a chair around Gargano’s neck and slammed him on the outside before he powerbombed the beloved babyface through the announce table to conclude the show.
WHAT. HAS. GRAYSON. WALLER. DONE?!?!#WWENXT @GraysonWWE @JohnnyGargano pic.twitter.com/2ijknxygUQ
— WWE (@WWE) December 8, 2021
Update: after WWE NX 2.0 went off the air, several fans in attendance shared pictures of Gargano and Kyle O’Reilly, whose WWE contract is also reportedly set to expire this week, hugging each other. Gargano hugged Shawn Michaels, who has been one of the leading figures of WWE NXT for several years now, and celebrated with his former tag team partner, NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa.
End of an Era pic.twitter.com/FEl13yffoZ
— Jacob Cohen (@MrJacobCohen) December 8, 2021