Prior to departing WWE in 2021, Johnny Gargano gave a farewell speech on an episode of WWE NXT.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on a recent edition of the “Insight” podcast, Gargano commented on his WWE NXT farewell address, not being under contract at the time of his promo, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his WWE NXT farewell: “The last night in the company was very sad, and like you said Tommaso [Ciampa] brought up my tears, and where they came from in that show, and a story I think I’ve only told maybe once before but, I have such a great relationship, and I’m very lucky and it’s crazy to say, with Shawn Michaels.”
On Shawn Michaels’ influence on him: “He was my hero growing up and I spent a lot of time with him, and I made the shadowboxes for people that were really special to me in that building. I made a shadowbox for Shawn, I made a shadowbox for coach [Matt] Bloom, and I gave cards to all the coaches, everyone I spent seven years with. Terry Taylor, Steve Corino, people like that, I gave them special cards and stuff of pictures of us together.”
On being able to say what he wanted in his farewell: “They gave me that moment to go on live television, with a microphone, and I wasn’t under contract anymore the next day. Like, I literally could’ve said whatever I wanted in that moment, but I have such a great relationship with everyone I wasn’t going to do anything crazy obviously.”
Johnny Gargano Reflects on His WWE NXT Farewell and Shawn Michaels’ Influence
In 2021, Johnny Gargano bid farewell to WWE NXT in an emotional speech before departing from the company. Recently, Gargano sat down with Chris Van Vliet on the “Insight” podcast to discuss his farewell address, being without a contract at the time, and the impact of wrestling legend Shawn Michaels on his career.
During the interview, Gargano expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have such a heartfelt farewell. He mentioned that his last night with the company was a somber occasion, and his tears were brought up by his close friend and fellow wrestler Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano revealed that he has a special relationship with Shawn Michaels, who was his childhood hero. He spoke about spending a significant amount of time with Michaels and even creating shadowboxes for him and other important figures in the wrestling industry.
Gargano also shared his appreciation for being given the freedom to say what he wanted during his farewell speech. Despite not being under contract anymore, he chose not to say anything controversial or shocking out of respect for his colleagues and the company. This decision reflects the strong relationships he had built during his seven years with WWE NXT.
The interview provides fans with a glimpse into Gargano’s personal and professional life, showcasing his deep admiration for Shawn Michaels and the impact Michaels had on his career. Gargano’s ability to connect with fans through his genuine emotions and storytelling has made him a beloved figure in the wrestling community.
In addition to discussing his farewell address, Gargano also touched on other aspects of his career, including his tag team partnership with Tommaso Ciampa as DIY and his wife Candice LeRae’s involvement in WWE. The interview offers fans a comprehensive look at Gargano’s journey in professional wrestling and hints at the possibility of a future return to WWE.
For those interested in hearing more from Johnny Gargano, the podcast interview provides a deeper understanding of his experiences and emotions during his time with WWE NXT. Gargano’s passion for the industry and his genuine connection with fans continue to make him a compelling figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Overall, Johnny Gargano’s farewell speech on WWE NXT was a poignant moment in his career, and his recent interview sheds light on the behind-the-scenes details of that emotional night. As Gargano continues to explore new opportunities outside of WWE, fans eagerly await his next chapter in the wrestling world.