After months of speculation, Johnny Gargano returned to WWE on the latest episode of Monday Night Raw!
Johnny Gargano was last seen on WWE programming last December, when he cut a heartfelt promo to say goodbye to the NXT audience before being attacked by Grayson Waller. Since then, there’s been plenty of speculation about a potential WWE return, but the crowd in Toronto was certainly surprised when the sounds of Rebel Heart rang throughout the arena on the latest episode of Monday Night Raw.
As he was making his entrance, Gargano leaned down and spoke into the camera, saying “I missed you guys, so much.” He then made his way into the ring and said that it had been nine months, and he hoped people remembered who he was, but he reintroduced himself just in case. He said that while he was gone, there were lots of questions about what might be next for him – and he had the same questions, even wondering if he wanted to do this anymore.
However, Johnny Wrestling continued, saying that one day he was playing with his newborn (who he lovingly called Baby Wrestling) and he remembered that when he was younger, he had big impossible dreams of becoming a champion in WWE and of wrestling at WrestleMania. He asked what kind of father would he be if he didn’t teach his son that even the biggest, most impossible dreams can come true.
When Johnny Gargano left, he said that you never fail if you bet on yourself, and he said that he was betting on himself here in Toronto. He said he was standing there and was proud to say that Johnny Wrestling was back in WWE.
Well things just got VERY interesting on #WWERaw!@JohnnyGargano@_Theory1pic.twitter.com/hn1FFy9M5F
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2022
However, the heartfelt moment was interrupted by the sounds of Mr. Money in the Bank’s theme music as Theory made his way to the ring to confront his former NXT dad. The two were closely linked in NXT as members of The Way, and the Raw crowd began chanting “Who’s your daddy?” at Theory. They talked about how much has changed in nine months, and Gargano told Theory it was good to see how he’s grown.
Theory detailed his accomplishments of becoming both United States Champion and Mr. Money in the Bank and said that he’s already done the things that Gargano dreamed about. Continuing, Theory said that he couldn’t have done any of this without Gargano taking him under his wing in NXT, but now it’s almost like Theory is the veteran and Gargano is the rookie. He said that Gargano could carry his bags, or carry his Money in the Bank briefcase and hand it to him when he becomes the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. He even said, “I could show you The Way!”
Continuing, Theory said that Johnny Gargano could just go away if he didn’t agree, but then extended an invitation to to The Way’s signature high five once more. However, Gargano took the opportunity to superkick Theory.
NO WAY, @_Theory1!@JohnnyGargano just made his choice on #WWERaw. pic.twitter.com/gg1LlhU3Q4
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2022
Gargano’s huge WWE return came immediately after his former son-in-law Dexter Lumis appeared in the crowd and kidnapped The Miz during Miz’s tag team match, causing a disqualification.