Backstage Reactions To Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae's WWE Returns Revealed

The past couple of months have seen numerous wrestlers return to WWE under the new regime, including the husband-wife duo of Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae.

The couple let their NXT contracts expire during the past several months, remaining at home as they welcomed their new son, Quil, to the family in February.

Despite leaving WWE, Fightful Select reports that the couple remained on good terms with the company throughout the entire process of leaving and during free agency, particularly Gargano. Johnny Wrestling reportedly made it clear that he would return to WWE on his timeframe, and the company was fine with following that timetable. Several NXT sources told Fightful that he handled his exit with "incredible professionalism," noting his work with younger talent like Austin Theory and Indi Hartwell and boosting Dexter Lumis.

Fightful was told that Gargano and LeRae were talking to the "major companies" prior to Johnny returning to WWE in August. However, not many details have emerged beyond the point that IMPACT Wrestling didn't seem to be a serious contender.

When Vince McMahon was ousted in July, several in WWE told Fightful that they felt more confident that Gargano would return, with Triple H's ascension accelerating the reunion. However, there was interest in bringing Johnny to the main roster even before Triple H took over.