Former NXT Champion Johnny Gargano is considering his next career move and is reportedly mulling over a potential move to AEW.
On December 7th, Johnny Gargano stood in an NXT for what yet may turn out to be the final time. In an emotional promo, Gargano thanked fans for their support before saying goodbye to his home for the past six years. Although the farewell didn’t pass off without incident as Gargano was attacked and left laying by Grayson Waller. Less than a handful of days later, Gargano’s WWE contract expired leaving him a free agent.
Gargano has addressed his wrestling future himself encouraging fans to chant “Johnny Wrestling” at shows as well as saying that he planned to take a break from wrestling once his WWE contract expired. Gargano and wife Candice LeRae are set to welcome their first child in February and Gargano may well want to spend that time at home.
However, on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, it was noted that Johnny Gargano is said to be “heavily considering” a deal that would see him become All Elite. If Gargano does sign with AEW it will see him follow in the footsteps of fellow former NXT Champions Adam Cole, Andrade El Idolo, and Malakai Black.
There has been no word from Gargano himself or AEW suggesting the two sides have even held talks but AEW will be holding AEW Dynamite in Gargano’s hometown of Cleveland, Ohio on the 26th of January, and given Gargano’s contract expired, he is not beholden to any non-compete clauses from his WWE contract.