Johnny Gargano Looking To “Close The Book” On WWE NXT Story

Written by Sondra Ruth • Published 8th March 2023
Johnny Gargano WWE NXT

On the March 7th episode of WWE NXT, Johnny Gargano made a surprise return to the brand he helped build for years.

His return came at the behest of none other than Shawn Michaels, who wants Gargano to face Grayson Waller at NXT Stand & Deliver. Waller has been embroiled in a war of words with Michaels in recent weeks, even getting himself suspended after interrupting Michaels on a media call after NXT Vengeance Day.

On the latest episode of NXT, Waller invited Michaels to be a guest on the Grayson Waller Effect and demanded that the WWE Hall of Famer face him at the upcoming Stand & Deliver in Los Angeles ahead of WrestleMania 39. However, Michaels refused, saying Waller is just the latest in a line of people wanting him to come out of retirement for one more match. He said he has no intention of returning to the ring, but that he’s found the perfect opponent for Waller, calling out the returning Johnny Gargano.

Gargano made his way to the ring and attacked Waller with a series of punches, but Waller was able to evade his attempt at a superkick, rolling out of the ring and staring at the returning star from the ramp.

“You Took My Moment From Me” – Johnny Gargano To Grayson Waller

Gargano is a fitting choice for Waller’s opponent as the two have unfinished business. Back in December of 2021, Gargano was giving an emotional farewell to the NXT audience as he was preparing to become a father alongside his wife Candice LeRae, who would go on to give birth to their son Quill the following February.

In the middle of his heartfelt promo, Gargano was the victim of a sneak attack by Waller, and he wasn’t seen on WWE television again until making his return to WWE Raw in August.

Taking to social media to reflect on his NXT return, Gargano made it clear that he intends to “close the book” on the story between him and the brash Australian, promising to shut him up once and for all.

“Because of you.. my story in @WWENXT ended on a cliffhanger 15 months ago. You took my moment from me and I never forgot that. I waited patiently for the right time & place.. April 1st.. Wrestlemania Weekend.. I shut you up & close the book my way. #JohnnyTakeOver #OneMoreTime”