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Since Triple H took control of WWE following Vince McMahon’s exit, the company has seen a spree of returns. Many formerly released individuals such as Karrion Kross, Braun Strowman, The Good Brothers, Dakota Kai, and many more have made their WWE comebacks in recent months, though to a varying quality and success. One of the most noteworthy names to get re-signed to WWE was Johnny Gargano, who previously let his contract expire in 2021 to focus on the birth of his child. There were high hopes for him under the regime of Triple H, but thus far, his return hasn’t been all it initially shaped up to be.
Johnny Gargano Was A Huge Star In NXT
Johnny Gargano is arguably one of the greatest to have ever competed in NXT, helping the Black & Gold brand to reach dizzying heights, becoming a Tag Team Champion, North American Champion, and NXT Champion during his time in WWE’s developmental. His in-ring ability and underdog persona struck the heartstrings of the NXT audience, which led to him becoming one of the most popular individuals to have ever stepped foot in the brand. His show-stealers were consistent, with him even wrestling in WWE’s first 5-star match rated by Dave Meltzer in nearly a decade, per profightdb.com.
Even though his time in NXT cooled off a little due to his underdog journey completing, leading to a heel turn, he put in some strong character work, with his matches still retaining that same high quality. Due to his size and Vince McMahon’s reluctance to push those in the same ilk as Gargano, it was of no surprise that he never properly received a main roster call-up, as he remained in NXT all the way up until his contract expired. An underdog rise to the top on the main roster was something which felt like a missed opportunity from WWE, but upon him getting brought back, the hopes of success were brought to life once again also.
Johnny Gargano Has Got Off To A Slow Start On The Main Roster
On an episode of Raw in August, Gargano made a surprise and unannounced appearance, making his return and reintroducing himself to the crowd, given that maybe not everyone would be aware of his work in NXT. Starting afresh was the correct thing to do, and it allowed WWE to perhaps tell the same kind of arc with him on the main roster as they did in NXT. Things started off fairly decently, with WWE revisiting the history he had with Austin Theory. However, after just a month or so of build without too much animosity, they had a short match on Raw. This would have been better served for a PPV, and there was certainly room on cards such as Clash at the Castle or Extreme Rules.
Missing an opportunity to have Gargano on a PPV is certainly a mistake, as it would have helped to further establish him to the audience, and it would have allowed him a good showing on a big card. When looking at his matches, he has had some strong encounters against the likes of Chad Gable and Baron Corbin, but in terms of his in-ring work, he hasn’t yet properly wowed the audience with a show-stealing performance. Of course, there is still time for this, but a feud with The Miz is no way of getting him over in terms of him being a great wrestler.
WWE Is Close To Botching Johnny Gargano As A Babyface
When looking at his feud with The Miz, WWE has botched their presentation of Gargano. Including him in the convoluted storyline between Miz and Dexter Lumis makes sense since Gargano and Lumis were allies in NXT, but it has led to some quite cringey moments thus far. Gargano’s delivery on promos screams of the old Vince McMahon days and his inability to properly book a likable babyface. The corny jokes, the cocky tone, and the goofy smiles aren't getting over with the audience, as they have seen it time and time again, with the same sort of personality traits failing with the likes of Roman Reigns, and more recently with Drew McIntyre and even Ricochet.
The storyline with The Miz is dragging, and it is doing Gargano no favors. Although he is an underdog, Gargano has also been booked to lose quite a lot so far, suffering defeats to Otis, Corbin, and The Miz. In NXT, the smaller audience were more in tune with the underdog rise and the importance of initially losing matches, but on the main roster, someone who loses often can be seen as unimportant and not a threat. Gargano should be in the ring with the likes of Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens, not with The Miz and Corbin. Things can certainly get better, and he is talented enough to turn things around, but right now, his booking is working against that.