Johnny Gargano on DIY, Tomasso Ciampa, Candice LeRae, WWE Return

Johnny Gargano (@johnnygargano) is a professional wrestler signed to WWE. He is a former NXT Champion, NXT North American Champion and NXT Tag Team Champion. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Tampa, FL to talk about his return to WWE, reforming DIY with Tommaso Ciampa, his favorite matches from NXT, why NXT shouldn't be looked at as developmental but as a third brand, being a Browns fan, why his wife Candice LeRae is his favorite wrestler, being a dad to their son Quill, his love of Marvel, whether or not he was close to signing with AEW after he left WWE in 2021, how Shawn Michaels got him to cry real tears during his goodbye promo, his relationship with Triple H and much more.
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Quote I'm thinking about:
"Clapping for others does not take away from your own success."
00:00 Intro
00:31 Our previous interviews together
03:14 Experiencing the joy of being a father
07:12 Did he know he was going back to WWE?
09:44 Discussion of going to AEW
12:19 The story of his physical transformation
16:49 His thoughts on Joe Flacco & The Cleveland Browns
20:32 Giving Shawn Michaels a special gift
24:31 Memories of his last night at NXT
26:14 Not wrestling outside of WWE while he was gone
27:26 Was it tough to take a break after he left?
28:28 Triple H bringing him back to WWE
31:38 Is there still a place for him in NXT?
32:35 What part of Cleveland is he from?
35:20 Which NXT matches is he most known for?
36:38 His opinion on 5 star matches
37:30 Learning to deal with criticism
41:19 What is he most proud about Candice LeRae
42:35 William Regal changing the culture of WWE
46:10 Keeping his name and the origin of ‘Johnny Wrestling’
47:45 Being the first NXT Triple Crown champion
48:26 Moves that look like they hurt but don’t
49:36 Will Tommaso Ciampa turn on him again?
50:37 3 Things Johnny Gargano is grateful for
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#BlueWireVideo #wwe #nxt #johnnygargano

[@Just.Sketching]

The Johnny Gargano vs Tomasso Chiampa feud/story is one of the greatest ever.

[@mprp2348]

Being there in New Orleans was a fever dream

[@Iamtemjin]

Absolutely. Those Black&Gold NXT days had some amazing feuds and characters.

[@tylerpainter9840]

The greatest

[@Deviitt11]

fr, I just wish Ciampa hadn't got injured and the storyline got a proper final

[@BenRamaMusic]

It's what got me back into wrestling.

[@Iamtemjin]

I had the honor watching him and Adam Cole at Takeover NY. Man, he walked in with boos but he turned that crowd around after winning the NXT Championship. He is a genuine dude and truly want him to succeed on the main roster.

[@ActorPete]

I just got done with the Sandow interview, and now you drop this banger? Nonstop content from CVV.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

That’s what we do!

[@Cactus1052]

​@@ChrisVanVlietI mean.....#DIY, right?

[@someone...1184]

I love Johnny Gargano❤

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Same

[@claymathewselevator8121]

2 of my closest friends don’t have their fathers anymore so being grateful that your parents are still around hits home ❤️

[@jasontamer]

I started watching wrestling again a year ago after a 12 year hiatus....Johnny Gargano undoubtedly has become one of my favorites

[@Tation16]

NXT Black and Gold and Johnny Wrestling were one of my favorites during that era. It got me back into wrestling and I smile thinking and watching matches from that time. I was screaming and so hype when Johnny won the NXT Championship. Take me back.

[@hydroguy6927]

I would love to just sit with these guys and nerd out. Talk wrestling and life.. great interview Chris!

[@Blackgold1155]

6 years later, my favorite wrestling match of all time is Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Johnny Gargano at Takeover Philadelphia. I had never seen either of those two and the story telling from the opening package to the final bell blew me away. I don’t feel like I missed anything. Nothing has topped it yet and I’ve watched a LOT of wrestling since 1997.

[@jessemokoena842]

Chris, lemme tell you right now, you're killing it. Such great work you're doing. Nobody really doing it like you. Big up to you, keep up the great work❤🔥

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🙏😁

[@Tranceplant82]

Johnny is an amazing wrestler. I hope he will have as much success in the main roster as he did in NXT. I have faith in Triple H.

[@tharukaepaarachchi814]

Hopefully they win the tag titles at Mania.

[@alexloyola6762]

For me, even if Gargano didn’t come back, I thought he had the career that so many fans would’ve wanted to have. The momentum NXT Gold had when him Ciampa were feuding was insane. Look at the arenas for those Takeovers. The cherry on top is that he got to work with his idol and it turned into a beautiful friendship.

[@I_dont_care_about_your_opinion]

Thank you for doing this. Gargano is my favorite wrestler over the last 10 years. His matches helped me get excited through a dark time in my life.

[@CameronWilliams-gy8bw]

Johnny Gargano He’s coming NxT Legend himself Tomasso Ciampa … DIY On the Rise !!!! 🫡🙌🏾🔥🦾

[@JorgeGarcia-gp5cf]

@@erikrousu Johnny made a funny shirt for DIX after Truth called them D-Generation X lol

[@LilLakeOfficial]

Johnny doesn’t know how good he is. He truly helped wrestling stay alive & put on some of the greatest matches

[@memig9984]

This interview is a amazing testimony. Ive been to soo many NXT Takeovers and Johnny Wresting was my guy. I remember Johnny Football😊

[@WhiteCaneV1]

Love Johnny Gargano, I think a face DIY winning the Tag Titles, than a good 3-6 month run will be amazing.

[@DBayz]

No doubt one of if not THE most underappreciated wrestlers ever. So much quality and a genuinely good guy. So hard not to root for but still underutilized. Deserves so much more than he's had while on the main roster.

[@schneideriwnl]

CCV is cooking lately. from Riddle to Torrie Wilson to Lance,Chelsea Green, Damien Sandow and Gargano in a time span of 2 weeks. You are the best man! thanks for that amount of content

[@SteveC23]

he's the best in the business and it's not close

[@schneideriwnl]

@@SteveC23 straight facts!

[@TheRiderInBlack85]

I nearly cried during Johnny Gargano‘s last night on NXT! It truly signified that the black and gold era was over! Johnny was the heart and soul of that brand! And also, my favorite wrestler! I will never forget meeting him at the gym I worked at back in 2017. He was such a cool man to just hang out with for just even five minutes! He treated me like I was his friend and we were talking about wrestler theme songs.

[@OhSoNasty]

I'm a new Jonny wrestling fan 😊

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Welcome!

[@gLobbZ]

The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels... It was a really cool of you and Triple H to save R Truth from Judgement Day! 2 words for ya! "Thank you!"

[@carlostostadas4506]

Aww man, dude Johhny is so relateable when he said his self esteem is horrible😢😢 lmao, naw you're awesome bro!!!

[@mramazing9568]

@15:00 best quote ever. "It's hard because cookies are delicious" 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nvc3334]

I’ve been watching wrestling for 40 years without a break and in my little opinion Gargano Vs Ciampa is my favourite feud ever and there first 2 matches are in my top 5 matches easily.

[@Tyler05595]

Absolutely amazing how you’re banging out new interviews everyday you just got done interviewing Damian Sandow a couple of days ago and now Johnny wrestling this is gonna be awesome 😎

[@nicolebracken3712]

I've always thought that NXT should be viewed as a third brand. Thank you, Johnny, for equally thinking the same thing!

[@Boscarfoster]

Gargano has always giving me such a nice vibe. I really want to see him as a world champion one day. He gives me the same energy as Rey Mysterio. And Rey is my favorite wrestler of all time.

[@Champ294]

Yes Johnny !!!!

[@joevales6775]

Another good interview CVV! Cheers!

[@Jessicayskull]

Really enjoyed watching this, what a great guy. And I am so happy to hear that his match with Adam Cole is in his top 3. I really hope Johnny gets his spotlight eventually :)

[@kiddako89]

My first wrestling show was takeover new orleans what a first show to experience. The crowd, the matches, and of course, Tommaso's iconic Entrance and Johhy Wrestling getting his job back good times🎉

[@anthonyr8906]

Chris is the best person when it comes to interviews he comes off so personable it's not like he's asking questions it's like he's a friend talking to a friend

[@Garganos_Way_usa]

I met Johnny gargano in December and that was the best moment of my wrestling fan life

[@stevenyoung3125]

great interview as always, I'd love to see you do an interview with bobby roode in the future. Roode is one of my favorites and there really aren't many interviews he has done.

[@fabeasty]

CVV is blessing us with bangers

[@dougmaynard3412]

Johnny has such great energy. Awesome interview Chris. Well done and you're on a roll. Any chance of maybe Alan Angels from TNA or John Silver from AEW? Keep up the great work.

[@paballomolata8844]

Well it's no surprise Shawn Michaels made Joey Gargano cry, he is the Heart Break Kid you know💔

[@ChrisVanVliet]

This is true, but at the same time he’s just a sexy boy (sexy boyyyy)

[@CameronWilliams-gy8bw]

@@ChrisVanVlietNice Lol 🫡🔥💔🐐☝🏾💯

[@DALpropaganda]

Been a Browns fanatic lately and absolutely loved hearing Johnny talking about Flacco haha

[@FireLaser]

Great interview Chris!! 😎👍🔥

[@moshindig222]

Just starting and can't wait i know there's gonna be some AIW talk!

[@GEARS4107]

Always loved Johnny ever since I started watching NXT, so humble whenever he talks! We need an interview with Pete Dunne please and Thankyou ❤️

[@michaelfayfitch2631]

Hey Chris, been subscribed for awhile. Love your interviews. Love all your videos. I was just wondering, if you were a professional wrestler what would be your ring attire?

[@vincentbranciforte9832]

Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae are literally two of the best WWE has hopefully they both have great success in the future

[@Captainluck12]

Johnny is still hands down my favorite wrestler that ever came from nxt he needs the ic title

[@ggguNeck]

Hope I can see Johnny Wrestling vs The Phenomenal at WrestleMania one day

[@carlostostadas4506]

Underrated!!! My boy!!!

[@andrewbenjamin3835]

Johnny gargano best wrestler in the world ever

[@SiIverMonkey]

Hey, it's Shawn Michaels from DX, but he sounds like Disco Inferno from The NWO Wolfpac.

[@silvanoghidini]

Love and support from Italy Chris🇮🇹❤️

[@markcafebrown2883]

I just saw DIY in Rochester NY November 4th at a house show. It was same night that WWE did Crown Jewel PPV. It was a nice card. Had most of the roster that didn’t go to Crown Jewel. Johnnie is lightning in the ring.

[@triumpthat]

Didn't think I'd watch/listen to this shoot, but you guys talking about northern Ohio is so cool.

[@GrayRedRoom]

*Correction: HBK has TWO 5 star matches: Ladder Match at WM 10 AND the first HIAC Match ever in 1997 against The Undertaker. And, of course, we know his WM matches vs. Taker and Angle were 5 stars, even though Dave gave them 4.75 stars.

[@brandonthewweduelist2509]

Easily, gargano is a top 5 wrestler for me. I remember it was 2018, and my love for wrestling was dying. I was bored with the main roster, and on that day, takeover Philadelphia was on that day. I had never watched a single thing from NXT, and it was Gargano vs. Andrade, and i easily that match reinvigorated my love for wrestling was back to where it was before.

[@hithere1590]

Love ya big guy!

[@tommydeamon7657]

William regal is one of my all time favorites since he did that thing on w.w.e confidential were he showed a bit of his home and his pett iguanas and other lizards and the goldburge w.c.w beat down it showed how not up to Parr goldburge really was at the same time showed how much the man regal really is

[@groan-up]

During the CWC I fell in love with DIY and was downtrodden because it seemed there'd be no way they'd get on the main shows let alone have some real momentum on them. What a great and crazy several months it's been in WWE for DIY and tons of other NXT alums.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Johnny and Vic are me during San Francisco 49ers games 😂

[@MrTrippy11]

The perfect David to Gunthers Goliath, make it happen Trips 🙌 next year's wrestlemania... what a build that could be too with tag champs as DIY then the champa fall out... because it has to play out again on the main roster 🤞 loved Johnny in NXT... more to come on the main roster I'm sure 💪

[@myemail2418]

johnny just feels right in WWE my advice be patient man your gonna get to your goals it will happen!

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

Johnny Interview.

[@SirDawkster]

Johnny Gargano is one of my all-time favorites due to NXT.

[@MrMegaManFan]

Still can't believe I once saw this guy in a dark match on an indie pay per view. He's amazing.

[@akgstone]

He's a vanilla midget. Absolutely dull

[@thevietkid33]

Johnny and ciampa deserve a big push, they are amazing talents. If WWE doesn't, someone else will

[@claymathewselevator8121]

When Johnny Manziel beat Alabama at Texas A&M I became a fan of his

[@L.m.CeeTee]

Those Tag Belts need to be split. DIY and Dunne/Bate should be tag champs on their respective brands

[@VarianNash]

31:02 I remember seeing that and losing it.

[@niloy2473]

I just hope they give him something good. Recreate the DIY story. He needs to work on his character sure but he has so much potential and I really want him to be successful in the main roster.

[@rudebwoytroy]

the rebel heart!

[@bigjames241]

You need to get Theodore long on this lol and have him say his famous quote. “You’ll go one on one with the undertakka”

[@christianhafer9819]

I love that he's an HBK mark. I think HBK has two 5 star matches, by the way, Chris. The ladder match with Razor, and I believe the Iron Man. Maybe the one with Flair. Pretty positive he has two. Anyway, great interview. Gargano talks a mile a minute!

[@Jdrf73]

Did u feel better afterward 😂😂 48:57

[@moshindig222]

When he left he came home to see us at AIW

[@Cafenoir_]

Who are they talking about during the physical transformation talk?

[@rainmaker5692]

AJ Sims, their Fitness Coach. He's on CVV's "Best shape of my life" video.

[@skymcgrew9857]

The Wrestling Mind to give Shawn the gift right before going through the curtain . Genuinely phenomenal Mind of wrestling . I hope he becomes a big back stage presence and influence like Shawn in 10 years when he’s done with the ring .

[@josephmontesano4917]

All hail the up up down down champion

[@claymathewselevator8121]

I loved Johnny Manziel

[@DavidTUTD]

Gunter vs Gargano for the Intercontinental championship at wrestlemania would bang!

[@tharukaepaarachchi814]

Ohh that would slap.

[@mikesemie5028]

i didn't know you were both cleveland people, represent baby

[@ColtDaBolt85]

My fantasy team this season I hade 12 starting QBs in 18 weeks. The longest one was Joe Flacoo for 4 weeks and Deshan Watson for 2. ALL THE OTHERS WERE 1 WEEK

[@mentiramentira]

gargano is a good hand , i can see him thriving in TNA

[@gm_21]

hi cvv! does aj the trainer have a yt channel? would love to check his workouts if he does..😅

[@ChrisVanVliet]

The best place to find him is on Instagram. He’s @cementfactory

[@gm_21]

@@ChrisVanVliet thanks for the info! 😀

[@Superrandomness7255]

CVV fans are eatin this week

[@castielchieng7475]

Shame he is not over enough on main roster. I was never so invested in wrestling until Gargano vs Ciampa feud

[@BrettJ2010]

Wacco for flacco 😂😂😂

[@TanakaSigauke]

#diy 🔥

[@raffypalma3677]

Hope that he'd be booked better. I felt that he peaked in NXT. If nothing works, go back to NXT. Just like Dolph, Baron, and other vets did.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Apollo Crews

[@tharukaepaarachchi814]

He's still getting started in the main roster with Ciampa. Just wait they will get to the top

[@the121smashchampion]

we gotta bring back off the record

[@ChrisVanVliet]

I loved that show!

[@snappfam508]

Wish you would have asked him about rebel heart being gone

[@claymathewselevator8121]

NXT is my favorite wrestling show

[@Trunks7500]

Cool

[@Cboz1978]

NXT is a third brand that also happens to be developmental. In reality all shows are developmental because wrestlers never stop developing.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Here we are as dads now 😂

[@otisking0799]

Tommaso was never FIREDDD!! #TOMMASOSBETTERRR!!

[@Dakshohri]

That Andrade match needs a sequel

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Can happen on Raw

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Gotta watch The Browns 😂

[@healer246]

Isn’t that Joey Gray?

[@otisking0799]

Left?! That Vanilla Midget was FIREDDD!!💀👎🏻

[@BigBrendJ]

Angle Benoit or Michaels have a few or don't have 5 star matches ok, but how many in their era and in WWE had them? the problems are how the matches were designed and the parameters style of rating a match. The shows were less sports based but more entertainment based. Among other things, one of the reasons why the ratings today are so high, it's the work rate, the lack of selling near falls etc. If you were to evaluate the performance of the individual Angle would always have 4 4.5 5