Johnny Gargano‘s return on WWE RAW was reportedly a late decision.
The former NXT Champion returned to storylines on the October 2 episode of RAW when he made the save for Tommaso Ciampa following a beatdown at the hands of Imperium.
In an update, PWInsider reports that Gargano was factored in creatively toward the end of the weekend. He reportedly traveled to San Jose on Monday morning and was kept hidden to make it more of a surprise.
Fightful Select also noted on Monday that Gargano has been cleared to compete since early May at least. He was briefly sidelined following his Unsanctioned match against Grayson Waller at NXT Stand and Deliver in April. He then returned for three matches in May but didn’t reappear on the live event loops until late July and then again in September with losses against Omos.
Gargano took to social media on Tuesday to express his excitement in being back and reunited with Ciampa.
Real talk. I saw ALL your theories and hopes for #DIY these past 6 months. From dream matches to just genuinely wanting us back.. I know how excited y'all are. We are, too. Thanks for believing and holding out hope for us, and now that it's finally time.. let's freaking kill it!
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) October 3, 2023ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uL7ErKulnaqku6Z6wqikaKaVrMBwfZNqZ21uZ2Kvoq%2FKrKuan5ViwrGwwK2cZqeeYrewtM2nsGafkae0orrOrGSwr5Viv6LDjKucra2iow%3D%3D