Gargano Returns To NXT Next Week, Okada At SmackDown In Gorilla Position

– Johnny Gargano returns to NXT television next week, his first NXT TV appearance since [former] partner Tommaso Ciampa turned on him at NXT Takeover: Chicago. It’s the start of a new chapter for Gargano, who ventures off as a singles competitor once again after a successful yet ultimately tragic run as part of the DIY tag team.

Ciampa underwent ACL surgery shortly after Takeover. As noted earlier this week, he’s now expected to be out of action until early 2018, a devastating setback for the Boston native and this feud.

46 days later..

It's time to come home. pic.twitter.com/3Ze84eSewJ

— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) July 6, 2017

– Following up on the news that IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was backstage for Monday’s RAW from Phoenix, it turns out the “ace” of NJPW was also in attendance for SmackDown the following night. Nerdcore rapper Mega Ran, who was in the New Day’s corner for their rap battle with The Usos on SmackDown, revealed that Okada was not only backstage – but spent the entire show in the gorilla position.

Mega Ran says Okada was shaking hands with everyone before and after they hit the ring, wishing them luck and congratulating them. The top star of a rival promotion backstage at WWE TV two nights in a row is note worthy in itself. Spending the entire show in the gorilla position speaks volumes about WWE’s level of respect for the 29-year-old phenom.

Okada is under contract with New Japan for several more years and will play a key role in the promotion’s expansion into the United States. He won’t be following Balor, Nakamura, Gallows & Andersonto WWE any time soon, but we’ll see what happens a few years down the road when he eventually becomes a free agent.

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"MEGA RAINMAKER!!! The best part about meeting #KazuchikaOkada was seeing him backstage standing at gorilla all show, shaking hands with everyone before and after they hit the ring, wishing them luck and congratulating them. Watching a legend be that humble and respectful was super inspiring. #wwe #raw #sdlive #njpw #okada"