CLEVELAND -- As part of a stipulation from a previous loss to champion Andrade “Cien” Almas, Johnny Gargano is finishing up his obligations with World Wrestling Entertainment’s development territory, NXT, this weekend.
But as luck would have it, Gargano, a native of Cleveland, gets to close out his NXT run with a stop at the Agora Theatre in front of his hometown fans, the very people he entertained during a decade-long run on the independent circuit.
“If I could think of a dream scenario, this would definitely be it,” Gargano said in an exclusive interview with WKYC.com.
“Circumstances aside, to get a chance to finish out my NXT run and fulfill my final NXT obligations in the Midwest, especially in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, in front of my family -- I think I have 10 family members coming tonight -- and not only to do that, but team with my wife in the main event in front of my family, in front of my friends, in front of people who have supported me for the past I’d say 22 years of this crazy journey that I’ve been on in professional wrestling, it really is a dream come true.”
Long before Gargano was wowing NXT crowds around the world, he got his break into the professional ranks with Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling. Additionally, Gargano worked for other Ohio-based organizations, including Absolute Intense Wrestling and Pro Wresting Ohio.
As such, Gargano has performed in front of the home fans many times before, and because of that, there is no added pressure on him. However, Gargano did admit that performing in front of the hometown fans lends itself to a different level of excitement.
“There’s just a different feeling when you’re wrestling in your hometown,” Gargano said. “There’s a different feeling when you’re wrestling in front of your family, in front of your friends, and it’s just a special feeling. It’s not nerves.
“It’s not anything like that. It’s just anticipation. I’m ready for tonight. I can’t wait for tonight. I’m so excited just to get to go out there and basically show the world, ‘Look guys, I’m just a kid from Cleveland, and I’m out here living my dream.’ It’s just pretty crazy.”
Following the Cleveland show, Gargano will travel to Detroit and Indianapolis for Saturday and Sunday night events. And after that, Gargano will see where the business takes him.
“I’ve kind of taken it one day at a time,” Gargano said. “I’m taking things as they come. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on tonight, trying to focus on this weekend, and kind of take it all in because you never know what’s next.
“I think that’s like with anything in life. You never know what’s going to happen next, and for me to get the chance to say I guess ‘Farewell’ in the Midwest, in my hometown, in cities that I care very deeply for, that’s what I’m focused on right now.
“All I can do is take it one day at a time. In my heart of hearts, I’m just a kid from Cleveland, Ohio, and I think Cleveland breeds a certain type of person. They breed hard-working individuals. They put their head down, and no matter what happens, no matter what goes on in their life, they keep moving forward, and that’s all I can do.”
