Johnny Gargano Status Update After IMPACT Wrestling Debut

Ex-WWE star Johnny Gargano appeared on IMPACT last night, BUT...

by Andy H Murray
Johnny Gargano
WWE/IMPACT

Johnny Gargano made a surprising video appearance on IMPACT Wrestling last night - but don't take this as a sign that the former NXT Champion is in talks with the promotion.

The 34-year-old appeared in a pre-recorded clip, showing IMPACT legend Alex Shelley with praise. Calling Shelley "one of the most underrated, most influential wrestlers of this generation", Gargano stated that there are a bunch of people in the wrestling business who wouldn't be on television without the Motor City Machine Guns member's influence.

This comes following last week's IMPACT, where Shelley defeat long-time tag partner Chris Sabin to earn his first ever IMPACT World Title shot. Alex's history with the company goes back to 2004.

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Fightful Select were informed that Gargano's IMPACT comments were "a favor for a friend" after asking if the appearance would lead to more. Currently, Gargano is not in talks with IMPACT.

Johnny has effectively been out of wrestling since December 2021, when he opted to leave WWE following his contract's expiration. He and wife Candice LeRae (another recent WWE departee) welcomed their first child, Quill Lewis Gargano, to the world on 17 February.

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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.