During a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Johnny Gargano opened up ahead of what will surely be a career highlight for him this weekend at Halftime Heat.
RELATED: Johnny Gargano Calls NXT ‘His Main Roster’; Talks Halftime Heat Coming Back
Yahoo Sports: Getting to do “Halftime Heat,” what does it say about how you, your peers and the NXT brand are viewed by WWE?
Johnny Gargano: This is such a big deal. I remember when I heard about it, I wasn’t aware of how big it would actually be. I’m a huge wrestling fan so I remember the first “Halftime Heat.” It was 20 years ago, I was 11 years old. I thought it was absolutely amazing. Now to be able to be a part of it and to show the world what NXT is all about and what we do. I believe what we do is put on a show unlike anyone else. I think it’s extremely special and I use that word a lot because I believe that’s what NXT is. I’m so excited for everyone from the non-wrestling fan to the hardcore fan to tune in and say “Wow, this stuff is cool, I have to check it out more.”
YS: Are there any added nerves or pressure knowing just how widely distributed this show will be?
JG: I don’t think so. I think we have the right six guys to do it. Those are six of the best professional wrestlers in the world. If you look at our “TakeOver” events, our live events, our TV show, we always bring it. It doesn’t matter if there are 15 people in the crowd or 15,000, we bring it. I know this Sunday we are going to bring it like only NXT can and we’re going to open up a lot of eyes. We’re hungry, we’re excited and we’re going to put on a show that no one has ever seen before.
YS: What was this past weekend like for you and your wife?
JG: It was a dream come true, and that’s putting it lightly. It’s so cool to get to share this with my wife [fellow WWE superstar Candice LeRae] because she is such a huge wrestling fan as well. We both know how big this is. What was also cool was that my mom came in for “TakeOver” and I got to tell her she had to stick around for the next day. Candice’s parents also came and watched her perform. To have our family there and get to share it together, it doesn’t feel real at times. It’s super awesome.
