Report: Johnny Gargano Not Heading To AEW... Yet

The latest on Johnny Gargano, his free agency, AEW, and more.

by Andy H Murray
Johnny Gargano
WWE

Although Johnny Gargano is now taking wrestling bookings again following the birth of his and Candice LeRae's daughter, Quill, don't bet on the former NXT Champion showing up on AEW television within the next few weeks.

Dave Meltzer stated on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that the free agent isn't expected to become All Elite within the next month or so. For now, it looks like Gargano will be sticking to the independents.

This doesn't rule out the possibility of Gargano signing for AEW later down the road, however. The 34-year-old has been heavily linked to Tony Khan's promotion since leaving WWE in December 2021. Following this, he elected to take time away from wrestling ahead of and after Quill's birth, supporting Candice, who is on maternity leave from WWE.

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For now, it seems that while Gargano wants to dip his toes back into wrestling, he isn't tying himself down to a full-time deal.

Johnny had been with WWE since 2015 when he decided to depart the promotion following the expiration of his last contract. That he left at the end of an agreed term meant he wasn't bound by any kind of non-compete clause.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.