WWE Backstage Reactions To Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae Returns

WWE

News has emerged on WWE’s relationship with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae during their time as free agents.

During their time in NXT, the pair were notably involved in the faction The Way along with Indi Hartwell and Austin Theory.

According to Fightful Select (subscription required) sources at WWE noted that they maintained a good relationship with the real-life married couple both during the last year of their contracts and after.

Several NXT sources said Johnny Gargano handled his exit from the company with “incredible professionalism.”

According to the report, they were particularly impressed with how Gargano refrained from signing a new deal with a competitor.

Fightful Select were informed that the former NXT star made his intentions to return to WWE clear, but maintained this would be on his watch, which the company were said to be happy with.

Both Candice LeRae and Gargano were said to be talking to “the major companies” in the month prior to Gargano’s return to WWE.

This was not elaborated on, but it has been said that IMPACT Wrestling was “not” a serious consideration.

Johnny Gargano’s contract expired in late 2021. He returned to the company with an appearance on Raw on August 22, 2022 that involved a confrontation with his old stable mate, (Austin) Theory.

Triple H’s takeover of WWE creative is believed by many to be the tipping point that led to Gargano’s return, although it was always likely to happen at some point.

Candice LeRae remained on contract with WWE during maternity leave until her deal expired in May 2022.

LeRae then returned on the September 26 edition of Raw where she defeated Nikki ASH.

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