Johnny Gargano returned on the August 22 episode of WWE RAW, and his appearance was reportedly a well-kept secret.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that Gargano’s name didn’t appear on any of rundowns ahead of the show, and a lot of talent didn’t know that he’d be there. Sapp noted that “much of production” was not informed, either, and Gargano walking backstage prior to his on-screen appearance was the point at which most people found out about it.
Sapp wrote that WWE “maintained continued interest” in bringing Gargano back throughout his free agency; during this time, the company was reportedly patient and respectful of Gargano’s wishes. Once Triple H gained power following Vince McMahon’s retirement, the company was confident that they had a “significantly higher chance” of re-signing Gargano.
The report also notes that Fightful hasn’t hear of any advanced negotiations between Gargano and AEW. When asked, AEW sources didn’t think that the former NXT Champion would ultimately come to the company throughout the year, though he had people pushing for him.
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