Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano was born in Cleveland, Ohio, United States on August 14th, 1987 and is the Wrestler. At the age of 36, Johnny Gargano biography, profession, age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, measurements, education, career, dating/affair, family, news updates, and networth are available.
At 36 years old, Johnny Gargano has this physical status:
Johnny Gargano is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he performs on its NXT brand.
He is a former NXT Champion, NXT North American Champion, and NXT Tag Team Champion (with Tommaso Ciampa). Gargano started his professional wrestling career in 2005, working for the Cleveland All–Pro Wrestling (CAPW) promotion.
Over the following years, Gargano worked for some of the top promotions on the American independent circuit, including Chikara, Dragon Gate USA (DGUSA), Evolve and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG).
Titles Gargano held include the Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas, the Evolve Tag Team Championship and DGUSA's Open the Freedom Gate Championship, which he held twice with his first reign lasting a record 873 days.
During his independent days, Gargano also made appearances for national promotions Ring of Honor (ROH) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). After making sporadic appearances for WWE early in his career, Gargano took part in the company's tryout camp in June 2015.
Afterwards, he began appearing regularly for NXT, eventually signing a contract in April 2016.
He formed a tag team, #DIY, with Tommaso Ciampa, and held the NXT Tag Team Championship once.
Following their split up and heated rivalry, Gargano captured the NXT North American Championship in January 2019 and won the NXT Championship in April the same year.
With the win, Gargano became the first ever NXT Triple Crown Champion.
Early life
Johnny Gargano was born and raised in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, Ohio to Adrianne (née Klasinski) and Francis Gargano. His mother is of Polish descent and his father, a restaurateur is of Italian descent. He entered a professional wrestling ring for the first time at age eight, when Cleveland All–Pro Wrestling (CAPW) owner J.T. Lightning, who ran shows behind Gargano's father's catering business, allowed him to roll around in the ring. While studying in St. Edward High School, Gargano decided to enter CAPW's professional wrestling school in order to become a professional wrestler. At age 16, Gargano began training at the Cleveland All Pro Training Center under J.T. Lightning and Josh Prohibition.
Personal life
Gargano got engaged to fellow professional wrestler Candice LeRae Dawson in January 2016. The two got married on September 16, 2016. On August 12, 2021, the two announced that Candice was pregnant with their first child, a son named Quill Lewis Gargano, who was born on February 17, 2022.
Gargano cited Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, and Johnny Saint as his influences in professional wrestling.
Gargano is a self-admitted "humungous Browns fan". His 30th birthday celebration was held at their home field, FirstEnergy Stadium.
Gargano is a Marvel Comics and Star Wars fan, as shown in some of his ring gears being inspired by some of his favorite characters.
Professional wrestling career
In 2005, Gargano made his professional wrestling debut for CAPW. In his first match, he participated in the AIW Gauntlet For The Gold Battle Royal, which was won by Michael Hutter on December 11, 2005. Gargano's wrestling style, a mashup of British chain wrestling, lucha libre, and puroresu, has characterized his person at the time as "someone lacking self-confidence and life in his own deluded little world." Gargano defeated Josh Prohibition, M-Dog 20, and Zach Gowen in a four-way match on October 8, 2006, winning his first Championship, the CAPW Junior Heavyweight Championship. In his CAPW farewell match, where they defeated Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, he will continue to perform for the company until August 5, 2007, teaming up with Prohibition. Gargano defeated Gargano in a dark match at Total Nonstop Wrestling's Impact on June 24, 2009. Losing to Jay Lethal on television tapings. He fought in another dark match the next day, this time losing to Eric Young. Gargano has also competed in a Ring of Honor dark bout against Sami Callihan on August 15, 2008. Gargano had a hairline fracture in his back, causing his left leg to be shorter than his right leg, prompting his doctor to compel him to reconsider his career choice after his ROH tryout. Gargano was recalled to the ring six months later, but six months later.
On March 23, 2007, Gargano appeared as the "Champion of Liechtenstein," Cedrick Von Haussen, losing to Montel Vontavious Porter on an episode of World Wrestling Entertainment's television show SmackDown! On the May 25, 2010 edition of NXT, he made another appearance for WWE portraying a security guard. At the tapings of Superstars, Gargano gave WWE another shot at the ring name Joey Gray.
Gargano made his debut for Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), a Cleveland-based team, on February 26, 2006, losing to Kano. On April 30, he would win for the first time in the competition two months later, defeating future WWE veteran Tyrone Evans. Gargano defeated Josh Prohibition on February 24, 2008, becoming the top contender in the AIW Intense Division Championship. Gargano's first attempt at the title, which was held by Tyler Black, was decided in a 30-minute Iron Man match on May 25, where Gargano defeated Black to win the Intense Division Championship for the first time. Gargano held the title for 187 days before being forced to leave the sport due to a fractured arm on November 28, 2008. Gargano defeated Jimmy DeMarco, who had won the contested Intense Division Championship in a tournament, on February 28, 2009 to regain the title. On May 15, 2009, he will lose the title to Josh Prohibition.
Gargano formed Team Oreo for the Jack of All Trios tournament, which was a tournament hosted for three teams of three teams on April 9, 2010. Gargano and Aeroform defeated Team Beyond Wrestling (Corvis Fear, Michael Facade, and Shiima Xion) on night one of the tournament's (Chase Burnett, Davey Vega, and William Williams), then the Young Studs (Bobby Beverly, Eric Ryan, and T.J. Dynamite) defeated the tournament's champion, Eric Ryan, and T.J. Dynamite). Gargano and Aeroform earned the right to represent AIW in Chikara's 2010 King of Trios tournament as a result of winning the tournament. Gargano defeated Facade, Sterling James Keenan, and Tommy Mercer in a four-way match on June 27 to win AIW's top singles title, the vacant AIW Absolute Championship for the first time. Gargano defended his brand new title by challenging Bryan Danielson to a 30-minute time limit draw later that night. Johnny Gargano, a famous ref, loses the gold to Shiima Xion on December 26, 2011.
On November 20, 2007, Gargano appeared on the very first episode of Pro Wrestling Ohio on Sports Time Ohio. In what some described as an upset, he'll miss his debut to Gregory Iron, a wrestler with cerebral palsy. Gargano joined Josh Prohibition's team in the first year of PWO, including Matt Cross and John McChesney, Marion Fontaine and Josh Abercrombie, The Olsen Twins (Jimmy Olsen and Colin Delaney) among other things. Iron faced Gargano several times over the course of his career, claiming he might beat him in another match. Gargano, on the other hand, remained in denial of Iron's humble beginnings and continued to mock Iron's illness, his history of concussions, and rough upbringing. Gargano brutally retaliated Iron, busting him open, grabbing him with a chair, and smashing his head against the ringside barricades at the PWO TV tapings in February 2008. Iron was on the shelf for three months before he returned to face Gargano in a Last Man Standing match at the inaugural Wrestlelution festival. Gargano defeated Iron in Cleveland, Ohio, over 1,000 fans, putting an end to their feud.
During the Last Man Standing match, Gargano suffered a hairline fracture in his vertebrae and did not return to active action until March 2009, when he clashed with Mike Tolar and Jason Bane in a three-way match to become the top contender for the PWO Heavyweight Championship in which he was crowned champion. On April 18, 2009, Gargano defeated Matt Cross in the PWO Heavyweight Championship, losing by a mere point. Josh Prohibition capitalized on a beaten Cross after Gargano's death, defeating him in the PWO Championship. The almost three-year relationship between Prohibition and Gargano was ended due to Prohibition's deceitful methods. A Coming of Age Gargano defeated Prohibition in his last match for the PWO Championship on August 9, 2009. Gargano defended his position against all challengers in PWO television's 2009/2010 season, and he had arguably changed his ways. However, a string of attacks followed, of which Gargano was alleged to be the perpetrator. Matt Cross, the true perpetrator, was uncovered in June 2010, who felt he deserved a chance to regain the PWO Heavyweight Championship. Gargano defeated Cross on August 1, 2010 at Wrestlelution 3: A Defining Moment. Gargano lost the PWO Heavyweight Championship to Marion Fontaine in a three-way match that also featured Jason Bane after being struck with a nightstick. Gargano regained the PWO Heavyweight Championship, now known as the Prime Wrestling Championship, after losing Jimmy Jacobs on August 19, 2012. On February 16, 2013, he lost the title to Krimson. Gargano regained the title from Krimson on October 20 at Wrestlelution 6.
Gargano made his Philadelphia-based Chikara debut on June 14, 2008, finishing in his sixth Young Lions Cup tournament but losing in his first round match against Marshe Rockett. Gargano will return to the company almost two years later on April 23, 2010, when they competed with Aeroform in the 2010 King of Trios tournament. Gargano, on the other hand, failed to make it to the first round after his team suffered a loss in their first round match against The Colony (Fire Ant, Green Ant, and Soldier Ant). Gargano was disqualified on the second night of the tournament during a quarter-final match between F.I.T. (Icarus, Gran Akuma, and Chuck Taylor) and Team Osaka Pro (Atsushi Kotoge, Daisuke Harada, and Tadasuke) wearing a F.I.T. shirt and watched how Icarus, Akuma, and Taylor were ruled out of the tournament. Gargano wrote on his Facebook page that he loved F.I.T. but that the team might have a poor connection, resulting in the stable's members pointing fingers at each other. Player Uno in his hometown of Cleveland defeated Lines Gargano on June 27 to earn a spot in the eighth Young Lions Cup tournament. King of Show F.I.S.T. on July 26 at Chikarasaurus Rex: F.I.S.T. When Cima pinned Akuma, he was disqualified in a six-man tag team match against Cima, Masaaki Mochizuki, and Super Shenglong. Both F.I.T. and Icarus Taylor booed Akuma after the match. Gargano gave him his seat in the stable to Chikara and Chikara. Gargano defeated Andy Ridge in his first round match on August 27, 2010 in his second Young Lions Cup tournament. However, he was disqualified from the tournament later that night when he was disqualified in the six-way elimination semi final competition. Gargano won the Countdown Showdown match on August 29, the tournament's final night, defeating 29 other men. The current F.I.T. has Gargano as a member. They snapped Da Soul Touchaz (Acid Jaz, Marshe Rockett, and Willie Richardson), 3.0 (Scott Parker and Shane Matthews), and Soldier Ant in six-man tag team matches on September 18 and 19. Gargano's "Golden Chance" for a Young Lions Cup championship match against Frightmare on October 23, but he was dissatisfied with his bid to win the Cup. F.I.S.T. announced on April 15, 2011 that it was held in New York City. In their first round match, King of Trios defeated Team Australia (Kabel, Percy T, and Tama Williams). The following day, F.I.S.T. appeared in a journal. To advance to the semifinals of the tournament, defeated Team Osaka Pro (Atsushi Kotoge, Daisuke Harada, and Ultimate Spider Jr.). F.I.S.T.'s On April 17, F.I.S.T. proclaimed a new one on April 17. Icarus won the King of Trios tournament after Taylor had blinded him with powder. Icarus rolled up Sasuke for the victory after Taylor blinded him with powder. F.I.S.T. was born on the same day as F.I.T. The Colony, Fire Ant, Green Ant, and Soldier Ant were all defeated in the tournament's finals.
Gargano and Taylor gained three points and the right to challenge for the Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas in June and July, as well as Atlantis and Rey Bucanero. Gargano and Taylor won the Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas for the first time on September 18, beating Jigsaw and Mike Quackenbush. Gargano and Taylor defeated Momo no Seishun Tag (Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada) with support from Icarus in the third match between F.I.T. Representatives from Osaka Pro Wrestling and the Osaka Pro Wrestling Association. Icarus upgraded Gargano, who was unable to attend the game due to travel delays, and Taylor partnered with Taylor to successfully defend the Campeonatos de Parejas against the Throwbacks (Dasher Hatfield and Sugar Dunkerton), who then defended the medal against the Colony in Chikara on Sunday. Although Gargano was sidelined due to a back injury, Icarus replaced him and together with Chuck Taylor successfully defended the Campeonatos de Parejas on February 25, 2012 against the Spectral Envoy (Hallowicked and UltraMantis Black), before losing the title to 3.0 on March 24. Gargano and Taylor regained the crown on April 29 after scoring three points in a four-way elimination match on April 14, becoming the first two-time Campeones de Parejas. How to Hatch a Dinosaur, F.I.S.T., Chikarasaurus Rex, June 2nd. In their first title defense, the Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) lost the title to The Young Bucks.
Wink Vavasseur, Chikara's Director of Fun, named Sugar Dunkerton, who had stated his desire to join a stable, as the fourth member of F.I.T. Dunkerton, on the other hand, refused to recognize him as a full member of the company, instead referring to him as their "water boy." In a first round match, F.I.T., a representative of Gargano, Icarus, and Taylor, defeated Team Osaka Pro (Ebessan, Kikutaro, and Takoyakida) on September 14, defeating Team Osaka Pro (Ebessan, Kikutaro, and Takoyakida). F.I.T.'s the next day. JWP's all-female team (Command Bolshoi, Kaori Yoneyama, and Tsubasa Kuragaki) advanced to the tournament's semifinals. F.I.S.T. was on the third and final day of the tournament. The Spectral Envoy (Frightmare, Hallowicked, and UltraMantis Black), who went on to win the entire tournament, was disqualified from the tournament in the semifinals. The founders of F.I.S.T. were first identified in early 2013. Icarus turned on Gargano on May 3 for his care of Sugar Dunkerton, and Icarus began having problems with each other, resulting in Icarus' suspension of the drug from Dunkerton. Gargano resigned F.I.T.T., which was followed by Chikara removing his name from the promotion's official roster page following the turn.
Gargano and Team #CWC returned to Chikara on September 2, 2016, as part of Team #CWC's 2016 King of Trios tournament, alongside Cedric Alexander and Drew Gulak. The Warriors Three eliminated them from the tournament in the first round (Oleg the Usurper, Princess KimberLee, and ThunderFrog).
Gargano was wrestling for All American Wrestling (AAW), and Gargano told Colt Cabana, who was looking for talent for the Dragon Gate USA and Evolve Wrestling promotions, that Cabana sent him. On July 25, 2009, Gargano competed in an eight-way elimination dark match, which was won by Lince Dorado, at the tapings of the Enter the Dragon pay-per-view. Gargano wrestled in another tense match at Untouchable's tapings, where he stunned Arik Cannon, Flip Kendrick, Hallowicked, Louis Lyndon, Prince Mustafa Ali, Shiima Xion, and the Great Malaki in an eight-way elimination match on September 6th. Gargano made his pay-per-view debut on Saturday by winning the first Open the Freedom Gate Champion, but he was disqualified in the first round by Hallowicked, Lince Dorado, Nick Jackson, Nick Jackson, and the match's champion, Gran Akuma. Gargano appeared in Evolve Wrestling's first tournament on January 16, 2010, defeating Chris Dickinson in a singles match. Fearless, Gargano, and Dragon Gate USA's fourth PPV battle, lost in another dark match to Kyle O'Reilly in a six-way match seven days later. Gargano signed a Dragon Gate USA deal in May 2010. Gargano lost his first singles match in Dragon Gate USA on July 24, 2010, defeating Cima, the parent company of Dragon Gate USA. Gargano was defeated by Chuck Taylor in a four-way match that also featured Drake Younger and Rich Swann in the following tournament on September 25, 2004. Gargano returned to Cima's Warriors International stable the next day before defeating Drake Younger in a singles match. Bushido: Code of the Warrior, Gargano, a four-way match, which was won by Chuck Taylor and also included Arik Cannon and Ricochet in a live pay-per-view match on October 29, which was also attended by Dragon Gate USA. Gargano offered himself to Cima after Taylor turned down an invitation from Cima to join his Warriors International team, but was turned down. After his match, Gargano confronted Cima, pledging himself to Warriors International before attacking Ricochet and his faithfulmate Ricochet, along with Chuck Taylor and Rich Swann. Ronin, the three horses' own stable. Ronin defeated Austin Aries, Genki Horiguchi, and Ricochet in a six-man tag team match the following day during Freedom Fight 2010.
Gargano and Taylor also participated in a three-day tournament on January 29, 2011 to determine the first ever Open the United Gate Champions. Gargano and Taylor defeated Blood Warriors representatives Naruki Doi and Ricochet in their first tournament match, then beat another Blood Warriors squad of Cima and Dragon Kid the next day. World-one representatives Masato Yoshino and PAC defeated Gargano and Taylor in the tournament's finals on January 30. Gargano's rematch with Cima on April 1st, with Ronin now competing as a babyface squad against Cima's Blood Warriors, but he was defeated like in the previous singles match between the two teams. Ronin was defeated in the main event six-man tag team match between the Blood Warriors team of Cima, Naruki Doi, and Ricochet the following day at the Mercury Rising 2011 pay-per-view. Austin Aries, who had just lost a match, feigned handing the torch to his former teammates in Ronin, but instead, he turned on them and joined the Blood Warriors. Gargano defeated Jon Davis on April 19 at Evolve's first live internet pay-per-view after picking up Evolve victories over Ricochet, Frightmare, and Jimmy Jacobs. He defeated Chuck Taylor in a tiebreaker match later that night to become Evolve's new champion, with a record of 6–2. Gargano's Fearless 2011 met Aries in a losing bid, but two days later, Brodie Lee of the Blood Warriors teamed with Rich Swann and Masato Yoshino in a six-man elimination tag team match, where he fought with Cima and Aries to force both Cima and Aries to submit.
Gargano was defeated in a singles match fought by Blood Warriors member Akira Tozawa on September 10, 2011. Gargano won a major singles victory over Naruki Doi on the following day before focusing on the Open the Freedom Gate Championships. Gargano beat Yamato to win the Open the Freedom Gate Championship on November 13 at Freedom Fight 2011. Gargano defended the title against Ricochet in the Asylum Arena's final official professional wrestling match on January 14, 2012. Gargano had to be helped backstage and rushed to a hospital after a suspected back injury during the match. He was released the next day. Gargano returned to the ring on March 3. Gargano returned to Dragon Gate USA on March 30, when he and Chuck Taylor defeated Masato Yoshino and Ricochet for the vacant Open the United Gate Championship. Taylor turned on Gargano and broke away the stable after Ronin had lost the match. Gargano defended the Open the Freedom Gate Championship against Masato Yoshino on the following day, but Chuck Taylor struck him later. Gargano defended the Open the Freedom Gate Championship against Taylor on June 29 at Evolve 15. Gargano's second consecutive title defense against Akira Tozawa was held on July 28, 2012. Gargano had been given a developmental deal with WWE prior to the case, but Gargano revealed that he had signed a two-year contract extension with Dragon Gate USA/Evolve. Gargano defeated Chuck Taylor in a non-title "I Quit" match on the following day, defeating the two former stablemates in their third anniversary match. On September 8, Gargano defeated Jon Davis at Evolve 17. Despite a pre-match assault by Jon Davis, Gargano defeated Akira Tozawa, A. R. Fox, and Ricochet in a four-way elimination match on November 4th, the champion's title remains intact.
Gargano defeated Sami Callihan for his tenth successful defense of the Open the Freedom Gate Championship on December 8 in Evolve 18. Gargano defeated Jon Davis in a tense competition to keep the Open the Freedom Gate Championship on January 26, 2013. Gargano won his twelfth title defense over the next day. Gargano won the Open the Freedom Gate Championship against Shingo after being struck with a low blow and a chain, becoming villainous in the process. Gargano's string of impressive title defenses continued on June 2 in Evolve 22, where he defeated Samuray del Sol Sol by submission after unmasking him. Gargano won the title twice against Akira Tozawa during Dragon Gate USA's fourth anniversary event on July 28. Gargano won the first match after Jon Davis' interference brought it on. Gargano defended the Open the Freedom Gate Championship against former Ronin stablemate Rich Swann on September 22 in Evolve 24, Spain. Gargano, who had been with the Open the Freedom Gate Championship for two years, won his eighth successful title defense against Chris Hero on November 17 against Chris Hero, who was making his Dragon Gate USA debut following his release from WWE. Gargano's lucrative title defenses continued in early 2014, defeating Uhaa Nation, Trent Baretta, and Roderick Strong. Gargano had signed a contract extension with Dragon Gate USA, according to reports on March 27. Gargano lost the Open the Freedom Gate Championship to Ricochet on April 4, putting an end to his two years and a half-year reign. Gargano and Rich Swann's feud came to an end in a "Evolution's End" match on August 10, 2014, where Swann was victorious. Gargano saved Swann from a Premier Athlete Brand of Anthony Nese, Caleb Konley, and Su Yung's attack.
Gargano won the Open the Freedom Gate Championship for the first two-time holder of the title on November 16, 2014, during Dragon Gate USA's tour of China. Gargano's first successful title defense against Shane Strickland took place on January 9, 2015. Gargano saved Rich Swann again from the Bravado Brothers (Harlem and Lancelot) and Moose later that day. This culminated in a match between Gargano, Swann, and Chuck Taylor, the reunited Ronin, beating the Bravado Brothers and Moose in a match where the losing team had to split up. Gargano successfully defended the Open the Freedom Gate Championship against A. R. Fox on March 26, securing a double title match with Evolving World Champion Drew Galloway. Galloway defeated Gargano to stay the Evolve World Championship and win the Open the Freedom Gate Championship two days later. Following the match, Ethan Page turned on Gargano, sparking a feud between the two teams, but Page was now attempting to make a name for Gargano at Gargano's expense. Gargano and Rich Swann won the Open the United Gate Championship on April 18, defeating Anthony Nese and Caleb Konley. Ronin defended the title against Drew Gulak and Tracy Williams on May 30, which was a reversal. Gargano retired the Open the United Gate Championship after Dragon Gate had been in operation, and he had called for the establishment of the Evolve Tag Team Championship. Gargano's association with Swann came to an end on August 15, when Swann took on Gargano and joined forces with Ethan Page. Gargano and Page's feud came to an end on October 17 at Evolve 49, where Gargano defeated Page in a "I Quit" match, where his Evolve career was on the line. Gargano and Drew Galloway defeated Chris Hero and Tommy End in the finals of a tournament on January 24, 2016. On April 2, they lost the championship to Drew Gulak and Tracy Williams. Galloway took on Gargano after the match. On July 17 at Evolve 65, where Gargano was defeated by Galloway, the feud between Gargano and Galloway came to an end.
Gargano's imminent departure from the sport had been announced on July 21, with his last match taking place on September 11. Gargano was defeated by Zack Sabre Jr. in his final singles match in Evolve on September 10 at Evolve 68. In Gargano's Evolve farewell match, Gargano and Cody Rhodes defeated Chris Hero and Drew Galloway.
Gargano made his Japanese debut on March 1, 2011, when his Dragon Gate USA stable Ronin began their first three-week tour of Dragon Gate. Gargano, Chuck Taylor, and Rich Swann defeated Blood Warriors Cima, Naruki Doi, and Naoki Tanisaki in a six-man tag team match in their first match of the tour.
Gargano returned to Dragon Gate in October 2012, a step ahead of the World-1 International stable. Gargano defeated Kaettekita veteran-guns Don Fujii, Gamma, and Masaaki Mochizuki in a six-man tag team main event on October 6, his first match of the tour. Gargano defeated Ryo "Jimmy" Saito in his eighth successful defense of the Open the Freedom Gate Championship on the following day.
During the promotion of All Star Weekend 9, Gargano made his debut for Southern California-based Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), partnering with Chuck Taylor in a non-title tag team competition, where they were defeated by the reigning PWG World Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks. Gargano and Taylor defeated the RockNES Monsters (Johnny Goodtime and Johnny Yuma) in another tag team match on the following night. Gargano returned to PWG on June 15, where he and Taylor were defeated by the Dojo Bros in a tag team match. (Eddie Edwards and Roderick Strong) Gargano won the 2013 Battle of Los Angeles, defeating Willie Mack in his first round match on August 30, 2013. Gargano defeated Kevin Steen in his second round match on the following day, before being barred from the tournament in semifinals by Michael Elgin. Gargano defeated Roderick Strong in a singles match on October 20 and then challenged Adam Cole to a future match for the PWG World Championship at the end of the season. On the second day of All Star Weekend X, Gargano fired his title shot but Cole was defeated by Cole. On January 31, 2014, Gargano failed to win another title after being defeated by Drake Younger in a four-way number one challenge that also featured Chris Hero and Kyle O'Reilly. Gargano made it to the finals of the 2014 Battle of Los Angeles in August, before losing to Ricochet in a three-way match, which also involved Roderick Strong. Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa unsuccessfully challenged The Young Bucks for the PWG World Tag Team Championship on December 11, 2015.
Gargano lost to Montel Vontavious Porter on March 23, 2007, on an episode of World Wrestling Entertainment's television show SmackDown! On the May 25, 2010 edition of NXT, he made his second appearance for WWE portraying a security guard. At the tapings of Superstars, Gargano lost yet another fight for WWE under the ring name Joey Gray.
Gargano competed in a WWE tryout camp and also wrestled at the NXT tapings on June 18, losing to Uhaa Nation in a dark match in a dark match. Despite that Gargano did not sign with WWE, the actor did continue to appear on NXT over the next few months. In Gargano's first televised NXT match, he teamed with Tommaso Ciampa in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, defeating Bull Dempsey and Tyler Breeze in their first round match on the September 9 episode. On the September 16 episode, Baron Corbino and Rhyno were disqualified from the tournament. Gargano began working for NXT in early 2016. Gargano had signed with WWE earlier this week, according to a tweet on April 2nd. Gargano's NXT deal was a so-called "Tier 2" deal, which allowed him to continue working on a variety of days in addition to his now-regular NXT bookings. Gargano qualified in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament on June 23, defeating his tag teammate Tommaso Ciampa in his first round match. Gargano was barred from the tournament by T.J. Perkins on July 14, 2014. Gargano had signed a new full-time NXT contract on July 21, which would prohibit him from taking further independent bookings.
The NXT Tag Team Championship took place on August 20 in Brooklyn II, Gargano, and Ciampa. Gargano and Ciampa, now known collectively as "DIY" (often stylized as #DIY), took another championship shot in a two-out-of-three falls match in Toronto, where they defeated The Revival to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions. In Japan and Australia, DIY continued to defend their championships against Tajiri and Akira Tozawa, as well as TM61. They defeated The Revival in a rematch on January 11, 2017 of NXT, but The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) followed them later. They lost the titles to The Authors of Pain at NXT Takeover: San Antonio. They rematch on NXT's March 1 episode, which resulted in a no contest after the Revival interfered and confronted both sides. This resulted in a triple threat elimination match between all three squads for the NXT Tag Team Championship in Orlando, where DIY failed to recover the championships after being the first team to be disqualified.
DIY tookover in the first-ever ladder match for the NXT Tag Team Championship, which they lost, on May 20 in Chicago. Ciampa called Gargano to bring an end to the two teams' friendship after the match. Gargano's feud with Andrade Cien Almas continued when Gargano met Andrade Cien Almas at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, but he lost after Almas valet, Zelina Vega, threw a #DIY shirt at Gargano to disarm him. On the October 11 episode of NXT, Gargano had a rematch with Almas, but lost again when Vega distracted him by wearing a #DIY shirt. Gargano defeated Kassius Ohno on December 6th to qualify for a top-down four-way match in the NXT Championship involving Aleister Black, Killian Dain, and Lars Sullivan, which Gargano won after becoming the first man to do so).
NXT TakeOver: Gargano's Philadelphia, Gargano, was unable to capture the NXT Championship from Andrade "Cien" Almas at the forthcoming NXT event. Ciampa recovered from behind with a crutch after the game to threaten Gargano. TakeOver: Gargano's match against Almas at TakeOver: Philadelphia was highly praised. Gargano met Almas on February 21 in NXT's second episode of NXT, where Gargano failed to win the title due to Tommaso Ciampa's interference, causing him to (kayfabe) abandon NXT. Takeover: He beat Ciampa in an unsanctioned match that was then resurgent to NXT in New Orleans. Gargano was again attacked by Ciampa while waiting for his NXT Championship match against Aleister Black on April 25, which Ciampa won, resulting in a Chicago Street Fight between the two teams at NXT Takeover: Chicago II, which Ciampa defeated.
On the July 4 episode of NXT, his character took a darker turn, becoming more volatile, with a more aggressive style and using a spike DDT to overthrowrown EC3. That's the one that Ciampa pinned him with at TakeOver Chicago II. Gargano interfered in Ciampa's NXT Championship match against Black on July 18, accidentally striking Black with the title belt, causing Ciampa to win the championship. All three men were slated in a triple threat match for the NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV this week, but Black was suspended from the game due to being found unconscious in the parking lot after the match. Gargano and Ciampa were later called a Last Man Standing match during the tournament, which was later changed to a Last Man Standing match. Gargano lost the game and was proclaimed as the one who assaulted Aleister Black on NXT's October 24 episode as the one who defeated him, becoming a heel in the process. Black and Gargano continued their feudship, culminating in a match between NXT TakeOver: WarGames II, which Black defeated.
After interference from Ciampa, Gargano defeated Black in a steel cage match on December 19 of NXT's episode. Takeover at NXT: Gargano beat Ricochet to win the NXT North American Championship. Gargano reunited with his ex tag-team partner as they raised their belts in unison on stage later in the night after Ciampa successfully defended his NXT Championship against Black. He would make his first main roster appearance at the Royal Rumble event on Saturday night, appearing at number 6 for more than 13 minutes and dismissing Jinder Mahal before being dismissed by Dean Ambrose. During the NXT tapings, Gargano defended the North American Championship against Velveteen Dream. However, WWE chose to tape two endings for the match, one with Gargano retaining the title and the other with Dream winning. The event, where Gargano lost the title, was broadcast on February 20, 2019.
Gargano made his main roster debut on the February 18, 2019 episode of Raw with three other NXT stars – Ricochet, Ciampa, and Black. In his first appearance on his team's Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival is a non-title match between the two teams. Gargano and Ciampa defeated The Bar on their SmackDown debut (Cesaro and Sheamus). On the third episode of NXT, after Gargano and Ciampa were banned from the Dusty Rhodes Classic, Ciampa attempted to murder Gargano, a nodal at TakeOver: Chicago two years ago, then Gargano reversed it and assaulted him, thus turning face.
Gargano and Ciampa were supposed to compete in the NXT Takeover: New York match on March 20 on Triple H, but he was forced to withdraw from the tournament and forced to leave the tournament later that night; therefore, Gargano and Ciampa would remain in the match for the now vacant title; ultimately, he would face Adam Cole, who claimed the right to substitute Ciampa. Gargano won the NXT Championship for the first time in his career, beating Cole in a two-out-three falls match, making him the first NXT Triple Crown Champion. Ciampa came out to honor Gargano's win with Candice LeRae as well at the end of the performance. Dave Meltzer was rated five and a half, making it the first WWE match to break the five-star rating and Gargano's third five-star rated match overall. Gargano was celebrating his championship win until being confronted and criticized by The Undisputed Age on April 17 of NXT. Gargano and Cole had a rematch at NXT TakeOver XXV, where Gargano lost the championship and ended his reign at 57 days. The rematch at NXT Takeover was then scheduled by William Regal as another two-out-of-three falls match, with each wrestler allowed to specify a stipulation, with Regal determining the final fall's stipulation. Gargano won the second fall but was ultimately unsuccessful in regaining the title after losing the final fall, which was in a steel cage match, after both men fell from the top of the cage through a table.
Gargano reunited with Ciampa once more on October 23, but only to be confronted by The Undisputed Age and surprise NXT returnee Finn Bálor has come back to a halt; he was sidelined indefinitely after Bálor's signature move 1916 on Gargano. He appeared on NXT Championship match against Adam Cole on December 18, distracting Bálor, causing him to lose; he then assaulted Bálor with a steel chair post-match.
Gargano was defeated by Gargano to a match at NXT Takeover: Portland on January 8, 2020, which Gargano accepted. Gargano will resurrect DIY with Ciampa and World Collide, also at the same time, beat NXT UK's Moustache Mountain. Gargano was defeated by Bálor at Takeover, and Gargano was involved in the main event between Cole and Ciampa for the NXT Championship and hit Ciampa with the title belt later that night, allowing Cole to pin Ciampa for the second time in his WWE career and turning heel for the second time in his WWE career. Gargano would defend his behavior by arguing that Ciampa stole his time and put him through hell for two years. This culminated in an Empty Arena No Holds Barred match between Gargano and Ciampa on NXT's April 8, 2020 episode, where Gargano defeated Ciampa after Candice gave Ciampa a lowblow and Gargano struck Ciampa with the Fairytale Ending.
Gargano was accompanied by LeRae to the ring as she defeated Kacy Catanzaro on the NXT episode on April 29. Gargano delivered a new titantron and theme to go along with his heel turn as he defeated Dominik Dijakovic on May 6 in NXT's May 6 episode. Gargano and LeRae began interacting as a power couple more often as they feuded with Mia Yim and Keith Lee. TakeOver: Gargano takes the NXT North American Championship in Your House, but is disqualified. On the NXT Championship's June 24 episode, he defeated Lee and Balor in a Triple Threat match for the North American Championship, in which the champion will face Adam Cole for the NXT Championship, but was defeated once more.
Isaiah "Swerve" Scott was defeated by NXT in a singles match. Gargano defeated Bronson Reed and Roderick Strong in a Triple Threat qualifying match on July 22 in a Triple Threat qualifier, but lost after Reed pinned Strong. Gargano would replace Lumis after Dexter Lumis was knocked out of the ladder match due to an ankle injury, but he would not play against Ridge Holland, whom he defeated. Gargano will lose the title at TakeOver XXXX. Gargano will be one of the men competing in the Fatal 4-Way Iron Man match, which will be broadcast on NXT's August 25 episode. As the game came to an end in a time limit draw, he was unsuccessful at winning the title. Gargano defeated Damian Priest in a Devil's Playground match on October 28 to become the first-ever two-time NXT North American champion. Leon Ruff would then lose his title to Leon Ruff in a two-day NXT battle, involving Priest, for the first-ever three-time North American champion. On the December 9 episode of NXT, he revealed that he had formed The Way, a villainous group of LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Austin Theory. Gargano successfully defended his title against Ruff on December 30, with his first appearance on NXT's December 30 episode, finally ending his championship "curse." Gargano successfully maintained his position against Kushida on NXT Takeover: Vengeance Day. Gargano retained the title against Bronson Reed at NXT Takeover: Stand & Deliverance. He lost the title to Reed in a steel cage match on May 18 in NXT's third season, ending his third reign at 163 days.
Gargano began to act in a tweener role in the coming weeks. Takeover at NXT: Gargano failed to capture the NXT Championship in a Fatal Five Way Match involving Adam Cole, Karrion Kross, Kyle O'Reilly, and Pete Dunne. Gargano was defeated by Kross for the NXT Championship on July 13 but was disqualified. Gargano competed in a Love her or Lose her match with Dexter Lumis for Indi Hartwell on August 3 in a NXT episode. Before Gargano pinned Lumis, Hartwell came out to ringside. Despite the stipulation, Hartwell returned to the ring and pounced on Lumis as The Way was walking along the backstage area. When he confronted NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams on October 19, he turned face. Hayes and Williams were lured by Halloween Havoc, Gargano, and Lumis' haunted house, where Hayes and Williams' NXT North American Championship, which was concealed, was revealed in Dexter Lumis' haunted house. Gargano faced Hayes and Pete Dunne in a triple threat match for the title, which Hayes retained due to Tony D'Angelo's interference. Gargano, Dunne, Tommaso Ciampa, and L. A. Knight would brawl with Hayes, D'Angelo, Bron Breakker, and Grayson Waller following a WarGames match at NXT WarGames. Gargano was defeated in a WarGames advantage ladder match against Breakker on November 30 of NXT 2.0, but was disqualified. Team Black & Gold, Gargano's crew, would be defeated by Team 2.0 at the tournament. Gargano narrated a farewell video in which he thanked his followers, associates, and family before being severely attacked by Grayson Waller during the following episode of NXT 2.0. This is likely to be Gargano's last appearance in NXT after his deal came to an end on December 10 and he did not want to renew it. As Gargano wanted to take time off wrestling to raise Quill, it was due to the impending arrival of Gargano's first son, Quill.
Gargano returned to WWE after nearly nine months after leaving WWE to speak, but Theory, his former NXT friend, was interrupted and mocked on the August 22, 2022 episode of Raw, but his former stablemate back in NXT. Theory was a great deal before Gargano gave him a superkick and left him lying in the ring. He wrestled Chad Gable on Raw, winning by pinfall but Theory struck him two weeks later, igniting a feud with him.