Johnny Gargano is expected to get a bigger role in WWE programming after challenging CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the latest Friday Night SmackDown.
According to Sean Ross Sapp on the Fightful Select Answers Q&A, WWE’s current plan is to increase Gargano’s presence on its shows. Sapp was asked specifically about a possible push for Gargano, or at least more TV time for him. His answer was simple.
“Yeah, the plan is for him to be featured more.”
Sapp also revealed that Gargano’s storyline, which began earlier this year, didn’t have a set direction when WWE first put it together.
That changed on the September 4 episode of SmackDown, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Punk found Gargano backstage and offered him an immediate shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. Gargano accepted and returned to the ring to face Punk in the main event.
Punk retained the title despite interference from Sami Zayn and the later involvement of Kevin Owens, Gunther and Finn Bálor. Even in defeat, Gargano closed out the night once again billed as “Johnny Wrestling” in front of his hometown crowd.
After the match, Gargano himself suggested his performance against Punk marked a turning point in his career.
“No more laying down. Last night was the beginning.. not the end.”
Before this return to the spotlight, Gargano had wrestled at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 4, losing to Myles Borne in a match for the NXT North American Championship. He also took part in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 17 episode of SmackDown.