10 WWE Wrestlers HYPED Vince McMahon Is Gone

4. Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano
Twitter, @dtfmania

Johnny Gargano hasn't yet returned to WWE, though it feels like a ticking clock at this stage.

Dexter Lumis' recent comeback and Theory's continued absence from television hint gently at a revival of The Way. Promoting Indi Hartwell from developmental wouldn't take much effort and one would imagine Candice LeRae might feel more inclined to re-sign with WWE under Hunter than Vince, too. Gargano's old friend-turned-rival Ciampa, meanwhile, is conveniently positioned on Raw at the moment, giving Triple H past material to trawl back through.

A free agent since departing WWE upon his previous contract's December 2021 expiration, Gargano has thus far refrained from wrestling. He and LeRae's first child, Quill, was born in February 2022. They've been busy parenting - and their wrestling inactivity means any comeback would feel extra special.

For Gargano, renewed hope comes from Triple H's different wrestling philosophy from his father-in-law. A grim main roster future awaited Johnny under Vince, who would never have pushed him beyond the midcard for not passing the nebulous airport test. Triple H likely would.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.