Johnny Gargano: There Was Only One Option After WWE Regime Change

Johnny Gargano only thought of signing with WWE once the recent regime change took place and Paul 'Triple H' Levesque succeeded the retiring Vince McMahon as head of creative. 

Appearing on a recent episode of Out of Character with Ryan Satin, the former NXT Champion spoke about how he had talks with other companies but, ultimately, decided to return to WWE.  

"There were conversations, for sure. We'd be dumb not to have those conversations, right? Especially given everything that was going on, the uncertainty around everything, who knows what could happen. That's the crazy thing about the wrestling business. Literally, everything can change in the blink of an eye. The fact that I was able to be incredibly patient and be in no rush to do everything, that's the big gain I had in all this. I could sit back and survey the landscape and make my decision on a timely basis. I didn't have to be like, 'I need a job right now, where am I going to go?' I believe everything happens for a reason. 

"The fact that I was able to have my contract expire in December, have the baby in February, and spend as much time with him as possible and not being in a rush to do things and reach out or say, 'I need to come back now'. From December (2021) to December (2022), I was fine not doing anything. Totally fulfilled not doing anything. Luckily, I have people around me to have conversations, so I didn't have to think about business or wrestling, they can talk about that stuff, and all I can worry about is dad life. 

"I watch everything, I'm a fan of wrestling, and for me, I want to go to the place that not only could utilise me best, but a place where I already have a relationship with Hunter and a lot of people backstage. That was a big thing for me, I'm all about relationships and familiarity. As soon as the change happened, there was only one option in my head". 

Gargano made a surprise appearance on the August 22 episode of Raw, marking his return to the company. He wrestled his first match back this past Monday, defeating Chad Gable. 

H/T Fightful