On August 22nd last year, former NXT Champion Johnny Gargano made his return to WWE following his departure in late 2021, joining the Raw brand. Since then, Gargano has briefly feuded with former stablemate Austin Theory, before aligning with Dexter Lumis as a part of Lumis’ feud with The Miz.
On the January 9th episode of Raw, the broadcast team announced that Gargano has suffered a shoulder injury and would therefore be sidelined for a few weeks, with the man himself later confirming the news on Twitter.
Appearing on the January 11th episode of The Bump, Gargano commented on his injury and revealed that doctors told him he’d likely be out of action for five or six weeks, although he’s hopeful that he’ll be able to make a comeback before then, and has eyes on proving to to the WWE Universe just what he can do.
“I tweeted out that I injured my shoulder at a live event in Toronto, which is ironic because I came back in Toronto. That’s where I injured my shoulder. I got rammed into the steel steps, and I sprained my AC joint. Doctors say originally about five-to-six weeks. I’m going to do everything in my power to cut that time down, and that’s the most transparent I can be there. We’re gonna see what can happen, and I’m gonna work very, very hard to come back as soon as possible. [There’s] a lot of things I still want to accomplish, a lot of things I still want to do. I am far from happy with how things have gone for me recently, and I want to right those wrongs and show everyone out there; that believe in me, what Johnny Wrestling is truly capable of doing,”
-Johnny Gargano
Gargano was then asked if he feels as though he’s followed a typical path for a Raw Superstar, to which he agreed, citing the fact that he’s taken on a range of opponents since his return. The 35-year-old once again highlighted his desire to prove his fans right, and also made it clear that he wants to be back in time for the Royal Rumble.
“It feels that way. A lot of big guys as well. Baron Corbin, big dude. Otis, big dude. Omos, the biggest dude. But I’ve also had matches against Chad Gable, matches against Austin Theory, so I’ve had kind of a cornucopia of different sizes and shapes and whatnot. But I am very excited to be able to get back in that ring and really show everyone what I’m capable of. I know there’s a lot of people out there that still believe in Johnny Wrestling, still believe in what I’m capable of, and I’m gonna prove all of them right, I promise you that. It’s Rumble season, and I know a guy like me, I pride myself on my tenacity [and] my heart. If I can get cleared for that Rumble, I’ll be super pumped. I don’t know. My doctor said five or six weeks, so I don’t know what that means. But I am very lucky that we do have a medical team that’s gonna protect me from myself. If it was up to me, I’d be out there right now, and I’d be in a whole bunch of pain [laughs]. I think that things have gone pretty well, but I’m excited to take things to the next level,”
-Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano was undoubtedly a highlight of Triple H’s ‘Black & Gold’ NXT, and we certainly hope he can regain that form upon his eventual return.
As of writing, the exact timetable for Gargano’s return to the ring has yet to be revealed, however as always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on his status as soon as we hear more, and wish him all the best in his recovery.
H/T to Fightful for the transcription.
