Backstage Notes On Top Secret WWE Return
Latest details on a major WWE return, AEW/IMPACT Wrestling links, and more.
Johnny Gargano returned to WWE on last night's Raw, with the former NXT Champion heading back to the promotion he left following his previous contract's expiration in December 2021, seemingly kickstarting a program with former stablemate Theory on his first appearance in nine months.
Despite multiple reports that the likelihood of Gargano heading back to WWE had increased following Triple H's ascent to creative lead, Fightful Select reports that the promotion was able to keep last night's comeback a closely-guarded secret.
There was no mention of Gargano's name on any of Raw's runsheets. Some WWE personnel didn't know the return was happening, including members of the production crew (who weren't brief), meaning some found out when Johnny was walking through the backstage area on his way to the ring.
Fightful notes that WWE's interest in re-signing Gargano stayed steady throughout his free agency. The promotion adopted a patient approach, respectful of Johnny's wishes to spend more time with his family, as he and wife Candice LeRae welcomed their first child, Quill, to the world in February.
As far as Gargano and WWE's competition goes, Fightful hadn't heard of AEW talks and understand that IMPACT Wrestling was never considered seriously. People within AEW had pushed for the company to bring Johnny in, though insider sources didn't think it was going to happen.