Not many superstars have been able to take full use of NXT the way Johnny Gargano has. He joined the brand with no contract as WWE didn’t have one for him. Through sheer determination and hard work, Gargano showed that he is one of the top talents in the company.
However, no matter how many TakeOver specials Gargano partakes in and shows he steals, some fans will always consider NXT as just WWE’s developmental territory. Johnny Gargano does not see it the same way.
Gargano recently spoke to Newsweek, where he went into detail explaining how NXT is far more than just a mere development territory. Here is what he had to say:
“I definitely don’t think it is (a developmental brand). If you look at our shows, Takeovers, live events it’s definitely not a downgrade, ok? People want to be in NXT, people on the main roster want to be in NXT. NXT is the hottest thing going today.”
“In some circumstances, there is still a developmental side of the Performance Center. We do sign people from different backgrounds who are learning how to wrestle and learn to do what we do. But you look at the TV show, those guys on television are TV stars. They are main event players and that’s where the developmental kind of goes away. In a way, you’re constantly changing and evolving.”
“Even the main roster is developmental because you’re learning all the time. NXT is looked upon as ‘a lower brand,’ but it should be like how when you move to RAW or Smackdown. Instead of ‘moving up’ it’s moving over to a different brand. You never know, guys can come back here, things can obviously change in the future. But how I see it, RAW, SmackDown, NXT. Those are the big three.”
A great superstar always tries to improve his repertoire by learning more moves and tactics. This is definitely the mindset Johnny Gargano has, and he continues to hone his craft in the ring.
