Johnny Gargano Faces Challenges After Ciampa’s WWE Departure
Johnny Gargano faces significant challenges following the recent departure of his long-time tag team partner, Tommaso Ciampa, from WWE. As Ciampa’s contract comes to an end, Gargano finds himself reverting to a solo career on SmackDown.
Impact of Ciampa’s Departure on Gargano
Gargano’s 2026 singles run has been marked by setbacks, including defeats against notable wrestlers like Carmelo Hayes and Nathan Frazer. The loss to Frazer raises concerns about Gargano’s potential push within WWE without the presence of Ciampa, who had been a pivotal figure in his career.
Recent Matches and Performance
- Gargano’s matches have not yielded victories, suggesting a challenging phase.
- Facing losses to established competitors may hinder his ascent in the rankings.
WWE Championship Scene Volatility
The WWE championship landscape remains unstable following Cody Rhodes’ unexpected title defeat to Drew McIntyre. Sami Zayn recently secured a title match against McIntyre at the upcoming Royal Rumble, creating further uncertainty regarding championship outcomes.
Other Developments in WWE
- Sami Zayn won a Fatal 4-way match to earn a title shot.
- CM Punk retained the world heavyweight championship, defending it successfully against Finn Balor.
- Natalya turned heel, creating new dynamics in her rivalry with Maxxine Dupri.
Johnny Gargano’s path forward in WWE may depend heavily on his ability to overcome these recent disappointments. As he navigates this transitional period, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing his performance on SmackDown.
