Johnny Gargano Deserves Better: How WWE Can Turn "Johnny Wrestling" Into A Star Again

Johnny Gargano has been one of the strangest stories in WWE this year.

Since February, "Johnny Wrestling" has spent most of his time lying face down during SmackDown segments. He barely speaks. He hasn't wrestled since Stand & Deliver in April.

The only real indication that he's still conscious is when Sami Zayn checks on him every now and then.

It's quirky. It's different.

But it can't go on forever.

Because underneath the comedy is one of the greatest wrestlers NXT has ever produced.

Fans Haven't Forgotten Who He Is

Gargano isn't some unproven prospect waiting for his first opportunity.

He's the first-ever NXT Triple Crown Champion, having won the NXT Championship, North American Championship and NXT Tag Team Championship. His battles with Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole, Andrade and countless others helped define an entire era of NXT.

On the main roster, he's already a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion.

More importantly, he's the kind of wrestler fans trust.

When Johnny Gargano is given 20 minutes on a Premium Live Event, chances are he's going to steal the show.

That's exactly why it's frustrating to see him doing so little.

Keep The Story - But Give It A Payoff

The current storyline doesn't need to be abandoned.

It just needs a destination.

One night, Sami Zayn finally snaps.

He tells Gargano he's had enough.

"Either get up... or go home."

For a few moments, nothing happens.

Then Gargano slowly gets to his feet.

The arena erupts.

No dramatic speech. No tears.

Just one line.

"I think I forgot who I was."

That's all you need.

Bring Back Johnny Wrestling

Forget the comedy after that.

Let Gargano wrestle.

Every week.

No shortcuts. No authority figures. No gimmicks.

Just one incredible match after another.

He starts beating good wrestlers. Then great wrestlers.

Commentary reminds everyone that this is the same man who once carried NXT on his back.

Slowly, "Johnny Wrestling" returns.

The Intercontinental Championship Is The Perfect Goal

Not everyone needs to jump straight into the world title picture.

The Intercontinental Championship is tailor-made for Gargano.

The title has always represented workhorses who can deliver classic matches.

Imagine Gargano defending it against the likes of Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, Ilja Dragunov, Penta and Chad Gable.

Those are the kinds of matches fans would remember for years.

Mr. Premium Live Event

WWE doesn't have to make Gargano the face of the company.

But they absolutely can make him the wrestler fans never skip.

Every Premium Live Event, Gargano goes out and steals the show.

Eventually it becomes part of his character.

Other wrestlers complain they get the main event.

Johnny Gargano gets Match of the Night.

After a while, it becomes impossible to ignore.

He doesn't demand opportunities.

He earns them.

The Beauty Of Johnny Gargano

Not every wrestler needs to be a larger-than-life superhero.

Johnny Gargano has always been different.

His greatest strength is making fans care.

Every comeback feels earned.

Every near fall feels believable.

Every victory feels like it means something.

Those wrestlers are rare.

And WWE already has one sitting on the SmackDown roster.

Final Thoughts

The image of Johnny Gargano lying face down has been amusing for a while, but every story needs an ending.

When Gargano finally stands up, it shouldn't be for another comedy segment.

It should be because "Johnny Wrestling" is back.

Give him the Intercontinental Championship.

Let him have the freedom to steal every Premium Live Event.

Remind fans why he became the heart and soul of NXT in the first place.

Because if WWE lets Johnny Gargano be Johnny Gargano again, they won't just have another good mid-carder.

They'll have one of the best wrestlers on the entire roster